On Tuesday, 3rd October, the Eastern Cape Government observed and celebrated the International Day for Elderly Persons at the Oliver & Adelaide Tambo Regional Hospital in Mbizana.
The celebrations were led by MEC for Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta who represented Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane. Also in attendance were Executive Mayor, Cllr. Vukile Mhlelembana, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr. Diniso Mafumbatha, a representative of the Tambo family as well as officials from various government departments.
Speaking at the event,MEC Fanta called for an end to violence against older persons. Delivering the keynote address, Fanta said the abuse, senseless attacks and the killing of helpless elderly people should be viewed as the worst kind of crimes against humanity.
In the Alfred Nzo District there has been an increase in the killings of elderly people which necessitates interventions by government and all civil society organisations.
MEC Fanta called upon ordinary people and civil society leaders to use their passionate voices and energetic grassroots network to join the fight of fulfilling the promises of the declaration of human rights for older persons in the Eastern Cape.
Executive Mayor, Cllr. Vukile Mhlelembana, applauded the Department of Social Development for bringing the celebrations to the Alfred NZO District, citing the high rates of abuse and ill-treatment of elders by young people, both in the domestic and professional spaces. He also emphasized government’s obligation to protectthe elderly as they are the true custodians of the liberation struggle and the fruits of freedom (democracy).
This financial year (2023/2024) the Department of Social Development has set aside an amount of R1. 5 million for older person’s programmes.
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