Date : 31 July 2012

Time : 12:15 – 14:30

This seminar will focus on findings of a baseline study of families in Mpumalanga. The workshop will elaborate on these findings: Multigenerational families are common, however the impact of migration has led to a reduced number of people among working ages in family structures. The low rate of male involvement in family life raises concerns around the impact of out-migration on households as well as the welfare of the elderly and children dependent on those of working age. Women however are found to bear the greater burden of care linked to gendered notions around the “male” and “female” role in families.  Marriage rates in the region are exceptionally low, as many children are born in unstable relationships. Divorce and dissolution of marriage is less common in rural areas where widowhood is the most common cause for marital dissolution. Access to resources is of particular importance especially in households headed by the elderly and children. In general, breakdown in family relationships and the poor quality of relationships are a key concern to many family members. Such families were characterized by poor communication, conflict, poor parenting and poor clarity of roles and responsibilities.

This seminar may be attended via video conference in KwaZulu-Natal , Pretoria & Cape Town.

Programme and speakers:

Chair: Ms Elise Botha (Director, Population and Research, Department of Social Development)

Background to family issues in Mpumalanga – Ms Pulane Sihlangu, Provincial Programme Manager for families, Mpumalanga Department of Social Development

Presentation of the report – Dr Monde Makiwane, Human and Social Development, Human Sciences Research Council

Response- National government representative and NGO representative  – Ms Siza Magangoe, National Director of Families, Department of Social Development & Ms Chantal April, Director, Mpumalanga FAMSA

Questions and comments from the audience.

Kindly RSVP by 28 July 2012

Cape Town : HSRC, 12th Floor, Plein Park Building (Opposite Revenue Office), Plein Street, Cape Town. Contact Vuyokazi Ngxubaza, Tel (021) 4668004, Fax (021) 461 0299, or VNgxubaza@hsrc.ac.za, Cell: 082 0508453

Durban :  First floor HSRC board room, 750 Francois Road, Ntuthuko Junction, Pods 5 and 6, Cato Manor, Contact Ridhwaan Khan, Tel (031) 242 5400, cell: 083 788 2786 or RKhan@hsrc.ac.za

Pretoria : HSRC Video Conference, 1st floor HSRC Library Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria. Arlene Grossberg, Tel: (012) 302 2811, e-mail: acgrossberg@hsrc.ac.za