MEC Oversight Visit: New Frail Care facility opened at Kensington Old Age Home
Today, Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Albert Fritz, conducted an oversight visit to the Kensington Old Age Home. The visit coincided with the launch of a new frail care facility.
MEC Fritz was joined by local businessman, Dr. Hassen Adams, and a representative from the Grandwest Casino CSI, Ms. Heidi Edison, who were the generous sponsors of the facility.
In his address to the residents of the facility, MEC Fritz condemned all forms of neglect and abuse of older persons. Some of the most common forms of abuse older persons endure is being targeted by criminals, or financial exploitation by relatives. “Sadly, the elderly are seen as soft-targets, and are targeted because crooks know you can’t physically fight back”, said Fritz.
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 specializing in services to older persons.
MEC Fritz cautioned the elderly to be vigilant when they access their pensions and social grants, and to report any abuse to the department.
DSD would like to congratulate the Kensington OAH for the hard work it has put in to drastically improve its administration and physical infrastructure. “We continue to call on the NGO sector to improve and tighten up their administration, especially if they seek to attract funding and sponsorships from the private sector” said MEC Fritz, “if we are to do more with less, we must cut maladministration, inefficiency and corruption”. In this regard, we thank Dr Adams and Grandwest Casino CSI for their investment into the communities of the Western Cape.
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
