Issued by the GCIS for the Department of Welfare, Population and Development
13 July 2000
Older persons in the North West have urged the government to implement programmes that promote active ageing.
Representing the elderly at the third day of the public hearings on elderly abuse at Mafikeng, Ms Leah Koloi said they wanted a productive life for as long as possible.
'The fact that we are old, does not mean we have come to the end of our lives,' she said.
Ms Koloi told about 500 people who attended the hearings, that black communities traditionally placed a premium on elderly people who were respected historians, advisers and fountains of wisdom for the youth in the country.
'It is therefore important that programmes are implemented that ensure the elderly continue to contribute to the communities,' said Ms Koloi.
She told the committee, chaired by Human Rights commissioner Tom Manthatha, that the elderly were involved in day care centres, social clubs and sangala activities, which needed to be adequately resourced to facilitate a productive live for them.
Older people from Mafikeng and surrounding areas attended the hearings, which end on Friday, before proceeding to the Northern Province, Western province and Gauteng.
Many testified about the security at pension payout points, housing and their experiences with their children and grandchildren.
Committee members visited a pension payout point at Tlhabologo outside of Mmabatho, where they inspected conditions under which the elderly receive their social grants.
Visited were also old age homes in Mafikeng. The visits form part of the mandate given to the committee, by Minister of Welfare and Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya.
The ministerial committee will present its report to Dr Skweyiya in September.
Contact: Kgati Sathekge
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