Deputy president satisfied with government’s initiative on poverty

By Ofentse Mokae
23 November 2009

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says he is satisfied with the positive results made by government's poverty alleviation project in southern Free State.

Over the weekend Motlanthe visited poverty stricken communities of Donkerhoek and Generations in Jacobsdal to monitor the progress of the anti-poverty campaign launched in the area last year.

The War on Poverty is a nationwide campaign aimed at reducing poverty among the country's poorest citizens.

During his visit in the area, Motlanthe said government's priority was to end poverty in all poverty-stricken communities.

Montlanthe said young ones must be encouraged to go back to school and acquire the necessary skills that will enable them to make a living for themselves.

He said the idea is to lift all communities and that grants were not enough to root out poverty.

During his visit in the area, most beneficiaries said they were happy with the campaign since they were now able to provide food for their families on their own

Through the campaign, most deprived households identified were visited periodically by a team of professionals and community workers to identify their specific needs, accelerate their access to government services and provide safety nets.

During his visit Motlanthe was accompanied by several national ministers, Free State MECs and government officials.