Chairperson, I was asked what do we do on International Poverty Day, and I replied:
We unite. We unite against all the elements that house poverty, against all the elements that retard our progress, and we unite to set our people free from the shackles of poverty.
Last week we debated the spirit of ubuntu and this week the MF reaffirms our belief in the Zulu proverb, "umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu", meaning, "people are people through other people." The MF strongly believes that unity and the principles of ubuntu are the key to poverty alleviation, social development and an effective democracy.
A duty is incumbent upon government, all citizens and the public and private sectors to induce efforts that will create opportunity for the destitute and deliver us from poverty. But to work together we need to have a common vision, and that vision is for a strong, healthy and wealthy South Africa, where its entire people share in its fruits and all strive for its good.
The MF supports the principle that the road to poverty alleviation is through working together. I thank you.