President Jacob Zuma has extended good wishes to South African families ahead of the International Day of Families tomorrow, on Sunday, 15 May 2016.

The 15th of May is the International Families Day. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly which directed that it must be commemorated every year by member states. The theme for this year is “Families, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Future”.

“Families are the basic unit of every community and society. Government implements programmes that provide support to families such as health care, education, housing, social grants, income generating activities such as public works programmes and many others. At the same time, families face several challenges such as the impact of poverty and unemployment, drugs and substance abuse, crime, domestic violence and violence against women and children. We understand the impact of these challenges and will continue working with our communities to eradicate these scourges so that families and households can lead secure and comfortable lives,” said the President.

Cabinet approved the White Paper on Families in order to promote functional families that are peaceful, safe and which are able provide support and comfort to their members. The implementation of the White Paper is taking place across the three spheres of government.

“Let us work together to build strong and functional families. Our families should be places of love, support and care,” said President Zuma.

The national celebration of International Day of Families will take place in Kliptown, Johannesburg, led by the Department of Social Development. Minister Bathabile Dlamini will officiate.

SOURCE: The Presidency Republic of South Africa