The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) will convene its annual Sector Parliament for senior citizens. The Sector Parliament is aimed at proving a platform for empowerment, promotion and maintenance of senior citizens’ rights; well-being; safety and security. Hosted in Ekurhuleni Region, it will be GPL’s 5th Senior Citizens’ Parliament since its inauguration in 2011.
The Sitting seeks to acknowledge the critical contribution made by senior citizens in developing the province; as well as honor them for their invaluable contribution to society by ensuring protection of their rights as well as an enhanced quality of life. In accordance with International Law, South Africa has an Act for Older Persons (Act No.13 of 2006), which provides for safety and security of senior citizens, management of their residential facilities as well as protection from abuse. There are also several government programmes in place to provide for the care, support and protection of older persons as legislated by Act 13 of 2006. GPL’s efforts are to contribute to this overall national commitment to provide care for the elderly, further recognising The International Day for Older Persons, as declared by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1990 – which is celebrated on October 1 each year.
The 2015 Senior Citizens’ Parliament is scheduled to take place is follows:
Venue: Ekurhuleni, Boksburg Civic Centre
Date: Friday, 23rd October 2015
Time: 10h00
As a tribune of the people of Gauteng, GPL is dedicated to ensuring that senior citizens are also part of the sectoral groups that benefit from the fruits of democracy. GPL is committed to fostering inclusive governance as well as delivering on its mandate to ensure everyone within the province has access to all services offered by the government – responding to basic human needs. Topics for debate on the day will include the following:
- Senior citizens facing challenges with municipal service rates;
- Loan sharks taking advantage of senior citizens; and
- Recipients of the Government pension grant.
Recommendations emanating from debates on the day will be received for processing by GPL’s Social Development Portfolio Committee Chairperson: Hon. Thuliswa Nkabinde. Gauteng MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation: Hon. Molebatsi Bopape will also address the gathering. In addition to the Sector Parliament targeted stakeholders, GPL has also invited all relevant Executive authorities; NGO’s; NPO; and community forums to participate.
Members of the media are invited.
Enquiries:
Pfano Bulasigobo
Cell: 060 533 1982
Tel: 011 498 6381
E-mail: PBulasigobo@gpl.gov.za -; 011 498 6381 or
Abe Mokoka
Cell: 079 882 5425
Tel: 011 498 5412
E-mail: AMokoka@gpl.gov.za
