Media Advisory
Families are the backbone of society, providing essential services such as care, love, support, and shelter for all age groups, including children, youth, women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the LGBTQI+ community.
Monday, 15 May: Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mme Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, will bring social development services to families in Platfontein and remote areas of Francis Baard District in the Northern Cape Province, highlighting the impact of demographic changes on families.
Tuesday, 16 May: An interactive dialogue will be held with with boys in partnership with the South African National Aids Council (SANAC) Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement, to empower boys to become responsible men who do not abuse women and children, as part of the Boys and Men Championing Change program.
On these dates, the Deputy Minister will discuss the effects of the rapid aging of the population due to declining mortality and fertility rates, as well as the persistent triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, and societal issues such as substance abuse and gender-based violence.
The commemoration of the International Day on Families, under the theme “Demographic change and its impact on families,” draws attention to the rapid aging of the population, resulting from declining mortality and fertility rates. According to the World Population Prospects, nearly 12 percent of the world population will be 65 years or older by 2030. The current economic conditions could have negative effects on socio-economic aspects of families, including security and public health systems.
The Boys Assembly is part of the Boys and Men Championing Change program, implemented in partnership with the South African National Aids Council (SANAC) Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement. The program seeks to achieve gender equality by transforming unequal power and gender relations between men and women through open and non-judgmental dialogues that challenge the notions of masculinity and traditional perceptions of manhood.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover International Day of Families and the Boys Assembly planned as follows:
COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES
Date: Monday, 15 May 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Platfontein Soccer Field in Northern Province
BOYS ASSEMBLY
Date: Tuesday, 16 May 2023
Time: 09h00
Venue: Platfontein Soocer Field, Northern Province
Media RSVPs may be directed to Ms Makhosazana Mavuso on 0727329381 / 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 directed to Ms Lumka Oliphant at 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
