Acting Premier Mlungisi Mvoko Calls for Food Security Support for Elderly

On 29 September 2025, Acting Premier Mlungisi Mvoko called on government to strengthen food security initiatives for older persons. Speaking at the Senior Citizens Parliament in the Provincial Legislature, Bhisho. Mvoko stressed that the elderly rely heavily on social grants and must be included in agricultural programmes to improve their quality of life.

What Happened

The Senior Citizens Parliament, themed “Towards the Realisation of the Rights of Older Persons: An Investment in Our Heritage,” brought together elderly citizens, government representatives, and stakeholders in Bhisho. The Department of Agriculture facilitated the participation of senior citizens, who shared how they have benefited from departmental support.

Award-winning farmer Busisiwe Peter also addressed the gathering, urging patience while government rolls out agricultural and food security initiatives. “The government purse is not enough to reach everyone at once,” she noted.

Official Response

Mvoko emphasized that depending solely on social grants was unsustainable. He said agricultural involvement could provide older persons with both food and dignity. “We must ensure that our senior citizens do not go hungry. They have carried this nation, and now it is our duty to empower them,” he stated.

Other key issues raised included gender-based violence against older persons, access to healthcare including mental health services, social welfare, and financial security after retirement.

Community Impact

Elderly participants welcomed the opportunity to voice their challenges directly to government. Many expressed that food security programmes could ease the burden of rising costs, while community members attending the session agreed that agricultural activities could restore independence to older people.