South Africa: Urbanisation occurs when people move from rural to urban areas such as towns and cities for various reasons, including the search for employment and economic opportunities. This often occurs in developing countries like South Africa.
As it is now, the country is highly urbanized, with eight metropolitan municipalities with high population density, the reason being that families desire to be closer to their working areas.
What is worrisome is that most persons moving to urban areas include a young generation which often leaves older family members behind with no one to take care of them.
International Day of Families is observed globally on May 15; this year, it was commemorated under the theme “Families and Urbanisation”, raising awareness of the importance of sustainable, family-friendly urban policies.
As part of Social Development month, the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mme HendriettaBogopane-Zulu, will on Saturday, October 08, commemorate International Day of Families in Kwa-Ndwalaza Royal Palace, Kwa-Mahlobo in Piet Retief.
Through interactions and engagements with families about urbanisation and its impact on their lives, well-being, and overall progress. The department of Social development is the custodian of the policy on families and intends to take stock of the structure of rural families in a tribal setting.
Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu will use this opportunity to reach out to poor and vulnerable families to strengthen service delivery and improve living conditions.
The day will also form part of the launch of the Families Matter programme that is aimed at strengthening the community response through supporting and motivating Traditional leadership structures to champion GVBF and HIV prevention in line with goal 4 of the National Strategic Policy (NSP) 2017-2022.
October is Social Development Month, and the department aims to reach out to poor and vulnerable communities who depend on social development services to survive and improve their lives.
This year, Social Development Month is being commemorated under the theme, “United in the Fight Against Poverty and Other Social ills.”