The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) in conjunction with the Ithemba La Bantu Development Centre will have a Human Rights Dialogue with the Merafong community at the Fochville Civic Centre on the West Rand on Friday, July 1.

According to GDSD spokesperson Feziwe Ndwayana, the aim of Human Rights Dialogues is to reaffirm the importance of human rights in re-building the community, especially community groups that are adversely affected, especially the LGBTQI+ community.

The critical problems facing South Africa today are poverty, unemployment, skills shortage and increasing income inequality. These problems are also central to challenges facing community development.”

MEC Morakane Mosupyoe added, “We are happy to have a partnership with Ithemba La Bantu Development Centre. With the services rendered by the centre, hope and dignity are restored among community members. It is evident in the number of people who have benefited from the project. The organisation has managed to place 402 young people in various sectors. By so doing human rights are protected. This dialogue will also enhance awareness of the work of government in driving youth development within the communities.”