SA, China project to fight poverty
Mahlatsi Mgidi
23 August 2004
The people of Winterveldt, north of Pretoria, stand to benefit from a poverty alleviation project on waste management that was launched on Friday.
Environmental Affairs and Tourism Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi launched the project in cooperation with the Chinese Vice Minister for State Environmental Protection Administration Zeng Xiaodong.
Xiaodong is in South Africa for a five-day visit to examine how South Africa is dealing with the enforcement of environmental laws, conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and possible cooperation between the two countries.
The project, called Phuthanang Community Upliftment, is aimed at increasing the use of improved, effective and sustainable responses to poverty alleviation through organic food gardens that will be set up in three schools in the area.
The gardens, which are cultivated in an environmentally friendly method by not utilising fertilisers, will also be used to
address the issues of waste management.
Mabudafhasi said her department will contribute money towards the project's development, which will be divided among the schools that run similar projects.
"This is a perfect example of the world coming together to share ideas on how its people can lead a better life, and how countries can learn from one another to ensure sustainable development of our people," said Mabudafhasi.
"I would like to congratulate South Africa on initiating a project that starts with children in primary schools but benefits the community at large. We hope it will be a great success and a cooperation that will last for a long time to come," said Xiaodong.
The project will also assist the community with programmes for HIV and AIDS counseling, home care for the terminally ill, health education and awareness on gender issues.
Mabudafhasi will also accompany Xiaodong on Tuesday to the Far Ocean shipyard to view the progress on the
inshore protection vessel, as well as visit a recycling project in Langa. This visits will follow a bilateral meeting on Monday between South Africa and China aimed at identifying future cooperation on environmental issues.
Source: BuaNews
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