As the nation celebrates Freedom Day tomorrow, April 27, Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane, has called on local communities to respect the rights of the elderly.
South Africans will on Saturday converge at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to celebrate the nineteenth anniversary since casting their ballots for a democratic country.
That democratic dispensation was aimed at ensuring that everyone's rights - including the elderly - were upheld and respected.
"However, recent events about the abuse, neglect, rape and even murder of the elderly have again placed the spotlight on how we treat our elderly," she said.
Mokonyane called on members of the public to be vigilant against those who abuse the elderly and report such abuse to the authorities.
"Our freedom is really not worth the paper it is written on if we allow the dehumanization of our elderly to continue unabated. So, when we celebrate Freedom Day tomorrow; let us ensure that there elderly, too, also enjoy the fruits of freedom," the Gauteng premier said.
Mokonyane urged families to pay special attention and take better care of the elderly as "they deserve happiness in their twilight years".
For more information contact Premier's spokesperson:
Thebe Mohatle
Cell 082 373 1146
