As the International day of the elderly approaches, Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) wishes all the elderly persons well.
“As the CGE, we are cognisant of the many challenges that the elderly persons are facing in society. We also want to commend the elderly persons for being care givers, a daunting task considering that at this age they are supposed to be taking it easy and enjoy life to the fullest,” said Mr Mfanozelwe Shozi, the Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality.
Mr Shozi further reiterated that the CGE condemns all acts of violence against the elderly people and call society to help protect our most vulnerable. In accordance with section 54 of Sexual Offences Amendment Act 32 of 2007 there is a positive obligation to report acts of sexual offences.
With the upsurge in numbers of reported cases on the brutal assault and rape of the elderly persons across the country, it is therefore incumbent upon all citizenry to be vigilant and help safeguard the elderly by reporting such crimes, failure to report is considered an offence punishable by a fine and / or imprisonment. People can also report all gender related cases and abuse of the elderly persons, unanimously to 0800 007 709.
The CGE also want to commend government in all its endeavours to ensure that the elderly persons as reservoir of knowledge are safeguarded at all times. We will continue as the commission to collaborate or support initiatives that are geared towards making an safe environment for the elderly.
Enquiries
Javu Baloyi
Tel: 011 403 7182
Cell: 083 579 3306
