Today, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz, continued his older persons oversight visits campaign, and joined just over 300 elderly residents at a Christmas Party in Mitchells Plain.
The visit forms part of the Ministers ongoing campaign to raise awareness around the neglect and abuse the elderly experience around the festive season.
MEC Fritz joined Joseph Pillay (Chairperson) and his wife, Carol Pillay, who head up the Joseph & Carol Pillay Seniors Project, and were the generous sponsors of the event.
The Joseph & Carol Pillay Seniors Project was established in 2006, and is celebrating its 10 year anniversary of philanthropy and service to the Cape Flats older persons community.
In his address to the elderly, MEC Fritz condemned all forms of neglect and abuse of older persons. One of the most common forms of abuse older persons endure is being targeted by criminals, or even financial exploitation by relatives. “The elderly are seen as soft-targets, and are targeted by crooks and sadly even family members, because they know you can’t physically fight back”, said Fritz.
MEC Fritz pledged the department’s assistance to all older persons who report any form of abuse. Through the Older Persons Programme, the Department of Social Development (DSD) has set aside R198-million to fight against all forms of abuse.
The Department funds a dedicated network of 450 NGOs specialising in services to older persons.
“Nobody should spend this special time of the year alone”, said MEC Fritz, who added that, “as we head into the festive season, I encourage families with older persons in residential facilities to visit more often, or even take them in for the holiday period”.
MEC Fritz cautioned the elderly to be vigilant when they access their pensions and social grants, and to report any abuse to the department by visiting any DSD local office or contacting the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250.
Media Enquiries:
MEC Albert Fritz
Cell: 083 307 0192
Sihle Ngobese
Spokesperson for Albert Fritz, MEC of Social Development
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 076 083 6543
E-mail: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
