Chairperson, the month of October has been designated Social Development Month by the Department of Social Development, during which the department aims to inform the citizens and residents of our country of the services that they are entitled to from the department and the whole of the ANC-led government.
The theme of the month-long programme is, Working Together to Build Caring and Sustainable Communities for All.
The department believes that by engaging the communities and understanding the problems they are experiencing, practical plans can be developed to improve living conditions and build better communities. Through the campaign of Taking the Department of Social Development to Communities, the department is working towards unlocking service delivery blockages and optimising development. In line with the ANC's commitment to eradicate poverty and improve the quality of life of all our people, the department will intensify its efforts to ensure that all children, who qualify for the child support grant, especially in rural areas, will receive this benefit without any further delays.
Also, the department has sought to establish a partnership with the Congress of Traditional Leaders to pursue development in rural areas and develop early childhood development programmes in rural areas. As we work towards a goal of poverty eradication as part of the Millennium Development Goals, it is hoped that all sectors of our society, business, faith-based organisations and nongovernmental organisations will work with government to achieve a better life for all. I thank you.