The Legislature hosted a Parliament for Senior Citizens today, Friday, 22 August, which was held at the Raymond Mhlaba Chamber in Bhisho. The official proceedings were preceded by a media briefing which was attended by the Premier of the Province, Phumullo Masualle, Legislature Speaker, Ms Noxolo Kiviet, and Deputy Chairperson of Committees MPL Ntombovuyo Nkopane together with representatives from Organised Elderly Forum in the Province.
Speaking at the media briefing, the Speaker, Ms Noxolo Kiviet, said ‘the deliberations and resolutions that we take must ensure that whatever we do, is done with the wisdom of our elders. She also highlighted that whatever religion or faith one subscribes to, the elders constitute a battalion of the most stable, mature and wise people who must be honoured and respected’.
More than 500 delegates attended from local, district and metro municipalities. The 2014 Parliament for Senior Citizens was held under the theme: Moving the senior citizens Agenda Forward beyond the 20 years of democracy.
Ms Noxolo Kiviet, told the participants that today’s sitting is one of the various sectoral parliaments we host as the Legislature in our endeavour to bring Parliament and the people together. She called upon law enforcement agencies to assist in curbing the financial abuse of older persons by loan sharks and other unscrupulous financial institutions that coerce them into buying financial products they don’t need.
The Premier, Phumullo Masualle echoed the Speaker in saying that government must mobilise our communities to protect older persons and preserve their rights as they are a valuable resource in society. No amount of money can buy elderly wisdom, he said.
Sectoral Parliaments are special dedicated parliaments for groups that are generally regarded as marginalised. The sittings are hosted annually for each parliament, on a rotational basis, during which Members of the Provincial Legislature engage with these groupings on matters affecting them. The overall aim is to encourage public participation by providing the public with the opportunity for them to voice their views on how their government should interact with them and what programs must be put in place to cater for their needs.
Elderly representatives from various municipalities presented their inputs commending government efforts to better their lives and also shared challenges experienced by older persons in the province. An increase of old age grant and hate crimes (the killings of older persons accused of witchcraft) were the most common amongst the delegates.
Enquiries:
Ms Bulelwa Ganyaza, Legislature Spokeswoman
Tel: 040 608 0234 (6934)
E-mail: bganyaza@ecleg.gov.za
