ANC MEDIA RELEASE 16 NOV 2000

Fr Smangaliso Mkhatshwa visit to the Pension Payout in Soshanguve

Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Executive Mayoral Candidate for the Tshwane Metro visited the monthly pension payout in Soshanguve today.

While talking to pensioners, Father Mkhatshwa stressed the role the aged of Tshwane plays in the community should not be underestimated.

He also expressed his concern on the high rate of violence against the aged and helpless. "Our children should respect the old and learn from them." He said that the community must ensure that the old and frail are protected and looked after.

Father Mkhatshwa also expressed the need for more facilities to cater for the aged. No old person should wait in the sun for their monthly pension and that shade should be provided.

Apartheid successfully excluded the majority of our population from the social welfare system.

One of the major challenges facing the newly elected democratic government was to provide for previously marginalized groups, like the aged.

Father Mkhatshwa said: "Only the ANC has the vision and the commitment to redress apartheids imbalances, fight poverty and create a better life for all. Now that we have achieved democracy, the obligation rests with all of us to restore our future."

Picture and CV of Father Mkhatshwa is available at 

http://www.anc.org.za/elections/local00/biogs/smkhatshwa.html

Issued by

ANC PRETORIA REGION

Contact           :           Andries Nel: 082 576 6672