The Gauteng Social Development MEC Morakane Mosupyoe will have lunch with centenarians at Glenburn Lodge and Spa on Kromdraai Road, Muldersdrift on Tuesday, February 22.

The MEC wishes to honour and acknowledge the contribution of the citizens of 100 years and older to the welfare of their families and to the development of the province.

This will also be an opportunity for older persons to raise issues with the MEC that affect them in their daily lives.

Older persons have a positive role to play in building a self-reliant society and have a wisdom that is needed in communities. They should therefore be acknowledged, supported, and capacitated.

“Elderly people are the cornerstone of our country, a repository of our history, culture, customs and our heritage, and passing them on from one generation to another,” said MEC Mosupyoe.

The Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 strives to enhance the quality of life and well-being of older persons by engaging them in programmes that promote their optimal level of social, physical, mental, and emotional functioning.