Government Winning Fight Against Poverty – Report

Government has over the years intensified its poverty reduction efforts with the number of people living below the poverty line declining from 53 percent in 1996 to 41 percent in 2007. This is according to an annual report by the Public Service Commission on the performance of the public service.

The report notes that the introduction of the Public Works Programme, which has provided jobs to thousands of people, free basic services and no fee schools have all played a crucial role in the eradication of the scourge of poverty.

It further states that social grants have been one of the most effective ways of reducing poverty.

"The number of people receiving social grants has increased form 2.4 million in 1997 to over 12 million in 2008, of which child support grants comprises the largest proportion," says the report.

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