Nelson Mandela Metro gives respect to families

17 May 2010

Every year on 15 May, the world comes together to commemorate the International Day of Families. In 1993, the United Nations declared this day as the day that should be set aside in respect of families.

On 14 May, Nelson Mandela Metro took part to celebrate this day as part of district celebrations set to take place across the province. The provincial event will be held in Cofimvaba, in the Chris Hani district municipality on 27 May, late this month.

Under the theme: "The impact of migration on families around the world", this day's objective was to emphasise on family preservation as a basic unit of the community. Nelson Mandela Metro is the economic powerhouse for the Eastern Cape province, as such, people migrate from rural areas and neighbouring towns to seek employment. This has a negative impact in some of the families.

Poverty, HIV and AIDS, drug and substance abuse, women and children abuse, teenage pregnancy and human trafficking are amongst many illnesses identified that disrupt unity in many families in the metro.

Walmer High School was packed to the rafters with families who attended the event to listen to advises from the speakers of the day. Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) chairperson Mr Xundu appealed to the audience to uphold "moral values".

The day's guest speaker, social welfare and development services General Manager Mr Maxegwana urged for the strengthening of relationship between focus groups and key stakeholders.

"If we strengthen the relations between focus groups and relevant stakeholders, we are on the right track to win family preservation. These focus groups need to work together with other stakeholders to help families who are faced with family challenges," Maxegwana said.

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), South African Police Services (SAPS), Correctional Services, Moral Regeneration Movement, Family and Marriage Society of South Africa (FAMSA) and Child Line were some of the key organisations that were present in support of this prestigious day.

Issued by: Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
17 May 2010
Source: Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.socdev.ecprov.gov.za/)