Working towards addressing the interests of Older Persons, the North West Department of Health and Social Development will join the National Department of Health in the launch of Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 on 15 July 2010. The Act seeks to address the gap identified in Aged Person Amendment Act of 1967, to deal effectively with the plight of older persons by establishing a framework aimed at the empowerment and protection of older persons. The Act also aims to tackle the imbalances of the past, shift from institutionalisation to keeping older persons in the community as long as possible and regulate all facilities dealing with older persons.
As a build-up towards World Elder Abuse Awareness week, 27 to 30 July, the department has prioritised capacity building for staff and stakeholders on project management scheduled for 19 to 23 July to ensure that services are responsive to the needs of communities. The province currently has 33 old age homes and 157 community based care centres.
The International Network designated world Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has acknowledged that elder abuse is a universal problem that affects the society at large. In South Africa the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Week (WEAAW) was held on 15 June 2006, through the coordination of Action on Elder Abuse South Africa (AEASA). Since its inception in 2006, there has been an initiative in place to create awareness country wide.
The department has resolved various cases of abuse against elderly persons including that of Snowden Likupe of Kanana Township in Klerksdorp.Likupe (84) who was constantly cheated on her pension fund by a 'family' member is now under the care of Masibapisane Old Age Centre in Klerksdorp.
On the day of the launch of Older Person's Act, the National Minister for Social Development, Ms Edna Molewa will be delivering the speech to older persons across the country.
This launch will also form part of the provincial Mandela Week where 67 minutes of service delivery will be observed with a number of community service activities especially focusing on Social Development services.
The media is therefore invited to attend the launch scheduled for 09h00 at Tshing Community Hall in Ventersdorp.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
