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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng marks International Day for Older Persons, which exposes the Gauteng Department of Social Development's (GDSD) failure to protect senior citizens in care facilities, which should be sanctuaries but are instead danger zones and sites of neglect. The DA demands that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi hold this department accountable for this systematic failure affecting the elderly's well-being.

Replying to questions posed by the DA, the MEC for GDSD, Faith Mazibuko, revealed that 263 elderly abuse cases were reported to the department by concerned citizens, NPOs, family members and victims themselves between January 2020 and June 2025. She further indicated that 18 of these abuse cases originated from various residential facilities, with 25 identified perpetrators being caregivers.

See full reply here.

These figures are shocking and illustrate a disturbing reality regarding the treatment of people who should be enjoying their twilight years in safety and dignity, but are neglected, mistreated, and abused, often at the hands of those entrusted with their care. Furthermore, these figures demonstrate the department's failure to properly vet caregivers for our elderly, ensuring they possess the appropriate demeanour and knowledge for their care.

A society is as good as how it treats its most vulnerable; by these standards, Gauteng is not on the right track. The DA will engage MEC Mazibuko to determine measures being taken to ensure the safety of our senior citizens. We want to know what is being done to maintain their safety and welfare, and where possible, criminal cases should be opened against the perpetrators.

A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would ensure stronger oversight, enforcement, and widespread public education to foster respect, protection, and care for the elderly in our province. In the interim, we will continue to hold the department accountable, ensuring that none of our elderly are betrayed by the very systems meant to shield them from harm.

Issued by Refiloe Nt’sekhe MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development