REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, CAPE TOWN -- South African 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, President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday.

"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," Zuma said on the eve of the International Families Day which falls on May 15.

The International Families 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 programs that provide support to families such as health care, education, housing, social grants, income generating activities such as public works programs and many others," Zuma said.

The SA cabinet has approved the White Paper on Families in order to promote functional families that are peaceful, safe and which are able to provide support and comfort to their members.

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

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

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