There are many challenges facing South Africa as a developing nation and amongst them, are the everincreasing scourges of poverty, and underdevelopment. Over the years we have consistently reiterated the state’s responsibilities and obligations to reverse the adverse effects of these twin challenges. For us poverty remains the worst form of violence against humanity which continues to bedevil millions of our people. It is in this context that we have identified the war against poverty as part of the APEX priorities. In response to this challenge, the South African Government has prioritised to include as many eligible vulnerable persons in society as possible in the social safety net as well as to empower the poor to access other economic opportunities. Such a net also requires the genuine empowerment of our people to access sustainable economic and developmental opportunities.