Statement by Ntombikayise Twala on Study on Living Conditions
20 November 2008
The African National Congress believes that overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) last Tuesday, launched a new survey to be known as Living Conditions Survey {LCS}. The survey is aimed at collecting data to measure the extent of poverty in South Africa. The data, will be collected from 30 000 households through a combination of questionnaires and diaries during the survey period which will run over 12 months.
This survey will cover people from all walks of life in both rural and urban areas while also allowing for a deeper understanding of the nature of poverty in relations to the major shifts in policy and trends in the economy, .
The survey will allow for a deeper understanding of the nature of poverty while indicating other approaches in dealing with poverty in a wider approach and .will seek to understand people's own understanding of poverty.
The African National Congress responses to poverty seek to empower people to access economic opportunities, while creating a comprehensive social safety net to protect the most vulnerable in our society. This survey will enhance our efforts to fight poverty.
I thank you!
Ntombikayise Twala, MP
Tel: 021 403 8171
