The Minister for Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, says the issues of older persons will soon receive attention at the highest office in each province through the formation of older person's desks in premier's offices. The aim of this initiative is to improve the quality of life of older persons by creating formal structures through which their interests will be catered for.
Minister Dlamini was speaking during an event hosted by her department in the uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu Natal, commemorating National Older Persons Week. The week, which started on September 30, celebrates the contribution of older persons to South African life. The theme for this year’s National Older Persons Week is ‘Building a caring society for all ages’.
“The President of the Republic, Mr Jacob Zuma, has instructed all premiers to establish older person's desks in their offices to ensure that older persons have a place where they can raise their issues and make sure they are addressed,” explained Minister Dlamini.
Despite progress made since 1994 to improve the quality of life of older persons, they face a number of social challenges in today’s life. These include physical and emotional abuse, neglect, financial abuse by omashonisa (loan sharks) and insurance companies that sell them insurance policies they do not need.
Since 1994, government has taken a number of pro-active steps to safeguard the interest of the rights of older persons. The enactment of the Older Persons Act (Act No 13 of 2006) was a very positive step in the right direction. The Act aims to maintain and protect the status, wellbeing, safety and rights of older persons. It also aims to promote their integration in the community by creating an enabling environment and promoting participation in activities with people of other ages and cultures.
The South African government’s efforts to look after the interests of older persons have been recognised at the level of the United Nations (UN).The Global Age Watch Index Report a global study conducted by the UN and an elder rights group, the Help Age released on September 30 has ranked South Africa second in Africa, behind Mauritius, on programmes implemented to secure the wellbeing of older persons.
National Older Persons Week will conclude on Sunday, October 6, when the Minister will host a Grandparents Day in Mandla Magudulela Stadium, Thandukukhanya Township, Piet Retief, Mpumalanga povince.Grandparents Day is celebrated annually on the first Sunday of October.
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant on
Cell: 083 484 8067 or
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
