Address by the member of the Executive Council for Social Development Ms Nandi Mayathula-Khoza on the occasion of funeral of Koko Ramatse at Stinkwater, Tshwane
The Family of Koko Ramatse Lelapa la Phiri
The Ward Clr and other Councillors here present Community Leaders
Traditional leaders
Moruti Paseka Motsoeneng of Incredible Happenings Church Baruti le baetapele ba kereke tsotlhe
The Leadership of the ANC and ANC WL and ANCYL and other parties
The Regional Director of Gauteng Department of Social Development Officials of all spheres of Government
Neighbours and the Community at large Ladies and gentlemen:
We are gathered here this morning to celebrate the life of an extra ordinary human being, the world’s finest example of a life well lived.
Today is the day when Stinkwater, Hamaanskraal, Tshwane, Gauteng and indeed the entire country will be placed in the world map. This is the home of the world’s oldest person!
Koko Rametsi was born on the 1st of January 1883. She became the world’s oldest person after the death of Indonesia’s Saparman Sodimejo who died at 146 years of age in April this year. She is survived by two of her 16 children, daughters Wilhelmina Phiri (97) and Ouma Thema (79), 78 grandchildren, and 247 great- grandchildren.
The Gauteng Government came know about Koko Rametse in September, 2013. We visited her and our Social Workers provided counselling to the family, ensuring that Koko received proper care and attention and that her needs are met. We facilitated the reinstatement of her old age pension payment which SASSA had terminated due to incorrect ID. The Gauteng Department of Health assisted with Koko’s health as well as the confirmation of her age. President Jacob Zuma invited her to the Presidential Lunch at the Union Building on the 29th September 2013.
Koko Rametse was a friendly and very interesting person who enjoyed the company of other people, she was wheelchair bound but could stand a bit with assistance. She could see but not very well, she got tired easily and needed a rest most of the time. What I remember most about her was that she identified herself very well and she knew her background and history vividly.
Although I visited her only twice, it was always a wonderful occasion to be with her! I was always moved by her wisdom, experience and expertise.
Programme Director, Mme Rametse departed as if planned. She left like the international figure that she was, around the time dedicated to raise
awareness about the elderly abuse in the world. The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was first launched on the 15th of June 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organisation at the United Nations. This was in response to increasing concerns about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. The United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/127 then designated June 15 as the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to voice opposition to abuse and suffering inflicted on Older Persons.
In recognition of this important landmark, the Republic of South Africa promulgation of the Older Persons Act No 13 of 2006 which emphasises the rights and protection of Older Persons. This Act provided for protection programmes for Older Persons to enable them to lead dignified, secure lives as equal members of society.
Older Persons need to be supported as they are adding value in communities. They provide caregiving support to vulnerable and orphaned children and in some instances maintain unemployed dependants in their families. They continuously serve others and little emphasis is put on their contributions. So, today we pay our respects one of the greatest care givers of our time.
Koko Rametse proved that older persons are living longer and that they have become second and third time parents. But, as a society we must acknowledge that their physical strength is deteriorating with the years and are highly susceptible to diseases which make them unable to defend themselves in dangerous or life threatening situations especially in the case of abuse/neglect.
Programme Director, the beauty of a woman, glows better with longevity. Some say, “The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows!”
When people talk about getting older, it's not uncommon for them to use the term "aging gracefully,” that is so because they would have seen beautiful older women like Koko Rametse who don't seem to be going out of their way to hold on to their youth. She ate healthy, looked after herself. Except the doctors who came to confirm her age, Koko Rametse never visited a doctor or consumed any medication until her last breath.
It is this kind of healthy lifestyle that prolongs the life span of the elderly and improves their quality of life that we would like to promote as the provincial government. Ageing comes with many health challenges, such as diabetics, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart problems. It is therefore, important that older persons keep active and exercise on a regular basis. Exercise and healthy eating are the most important habits one can have to stay healthy.
Programme Director, as I prepare to leave this stage, let me remind you of a Ghanaian proverb, “Even the lion, the king of the forest, protects himself against flies.” I urge all our senior citizens to do medical check- ups, eat healthy and excise.
May I also ask that please look after our elderly. Everyone single one of us in here has the responsibility to ensure the safety our elderly. The Gauteng Department of Social Development has an Elder Abuse Hotline. Anyone who wishes to report the abuse of the elderly can contact the department on 08000204190 or 011 355 7600 and www.socdev.gpg.gov.za.
It is Nelson Mandela who reminds us how we treat the vulnerable amongst us. “A Nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but it's lowest ones.”
Thank you.
