The MEC for Social Development and Special Programmes, Ms Pemmy Majodina will on 26 July 2011, visit the Empilweni Old Age Home, Mthatha at 11h00.
The centre is currently experiencing administrative challenges and the MEC has declared that the Department is going to deal harshly will individuals who compromise the well-being of older persons.
A society can be measured by the care it provides to its children and the elderly. The Department recognises that older persons are our heritage, our pride and custodians of our moral values and traditions. Old age is a period when a person’s role in society is acknowledged and valued. In our communities older persons make a priceless contribution to households as caregivers for children, people with disabilities and those affected and infected by HIV and AIDS.
The Eastern Cape has the highest proportion of older persons (626 612) which is an indication of the economic vulnerability of the province. The Department continues to implement integrated services for the care, support and protection of older persons.
These services entail promotion of active ageing, marketing the rights of older persons, training key stakeholders in the regulation of the Older Persons Act No. 13 of 2006.
The Department is currently funding 235 service centres, 54 old age homes and four social work agencies.
Enquiries:
Gcobani Maswana
Cell: 082 821 7410
