Respect and protect older persons, urges Minister Susan Shabangu
Minister of Social Development, Ms Susan Shabangu urged residents of Kimberley and South Africans from all walks of life to respect and protect grandparents and older persons in their families and communities.
This is the key message and others, including the valuable contribution of grandparents and older persons in families and national development emphasised by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Susan Shabangu as South Africa joined the international development community in celebrating the Grandparents Day.
Speaking on the occasion of the Grandparents Day held at the 3 South African Infantry Military Base in Kimberley, Northern Cape this morning, Minister Shabangu said grandparents and older persons symbolise a “bridge that links our past, present and our future generations.”
“Our older persons are the backbone upon which our democratic South Africa was built and they therefore deserve more appreciation, care and support from families, communities and indeed the wider South African society. On an occasion such as this, we thank all families and caregivers who look after older persons and provide them with love and support in their golden years”, said Minister Shabangu. Minister Shabangu also urged the public to prevent and to report the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older persons.
“Take a stand and report any form of abuse of our senior citizens. The abuse of older persons is a crime and a gross violation of human rights. It must be reported to police and social workers in your areas”, added Minister Shabangu. Minister Shabangu noted that there has been a steady rise in the population of older persons in South Africa. Currently, the population 60 years and above account for 8, 1% of South Africa’s population.
Nationally, between 2001 and 2016, the ageing index increased from 23 to 27, re-confirming that the South African population is progressively ageing. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this number is projected to double by 2050, to over 10 million of the South African population. Due to high unemployment and poverty levels, most of the households in the province are dependent on the Old Age Grant.
SASSA currently distributes Old Age Grant to 87 517 older persons throughout the Northern Cape Province, to the tune of over 148 million rand every month. In line with the implementation of the Older Persons Act (Act No.13 of 2006), the Provincial Department of Social Development provides financial support to 24 residential care facilities in the current financial year.
In addition, the Department funds 55 community-based care and support centres for older persons. As part of the Grandparents Day activities, Minister Shabangu symbolically issued the new SASSA card to a 72-year old age grant beneficiary and a grandparent of 7, Ms Margaret Seekoei.
She could not hide her excitement and relief when she heard the Minister Shabangu mentioning that illegal and unauthorised deductions are prohibited on the new card. “In the past year alone, I have lost count of how many times I visited the local SASSA office to try and stop the illegal deductions on my account. I didn’t give consent for the deductions nor did I have knowledge of what they were for.
We welcome the Minister’s announcement that the new SASSA card will prevent the unscrupulous insurance companies and loans sharks that prey on our vulnerabilities and illiteracy”, said Ms Seekoei. Grandparents Day is part of the Social Development Month activities. Upcoming activities includes the Active Ageing Programme, which is scheduled to take place from 21-25 October 2018 in Mangaung, Free State Province.
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: LumkaO@dsd.gov.za
