15 October 2020: The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane Zulu, will commemorate the International Day of Rural Women in Verena, Mpumalanga Province on 15 October 2020.

The International Day of Rural Women is commemorated annually to recognise the role and contribution played by women in agricultural and rural development; improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.

This year the day, which was first recognised in 2008, is celebrated under the theme: “Rural Women and girls building resilience”.

As part of the commemoration and to accentuate the activities of Social Development Month, the Deputy Minister will visit the Sabelosethu Farming cooperative in Verena. The cooperative is funded by the National Development Agency (NDA) - an entity of the Department of Social Development.

The cooperative was established by women of Verena with the aim of improving food security for project members, their families and the community of Verena by increasing access to healthy food.

On the International Day of Rural Women, the global community is called to support rural women and girls in order to grow their ability to respond to climate change through agricultural production.

Rural women play a critical role in rural economies of both developing and developed countries. They also carry out vital roles including caring for older persons, the sick and children.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the celebration as follows:

Date: 15 October 2020

Time: 10:00 - 12:00

Venue: Sabelosethu Farming Co-operative, Verena C, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Mpumalanga

Media can RSVP by contacting  Ms Makhosazana Mavuso on 072 732 9381 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.