Requests from seniors heard by government
Among those present was Sam Nzima, the well-known photographer who captured the famous picture of Hector Peterson during the 1976 Soweto uprising, and former SABC Ligwalagwala FM station manager, Steve Ngwenya, who also resides in Emjindini.
The senior citizens in the province wants the pension means to be phased out and government to prioritise them in RDP house allocation.
Germina Nkambule, chairman for the elderly people in Mpumalanga, said they wanted all elderly people above the age of 60 to be eligible for an old-age grant regardless of income or assets.
The means test is used to check whether an applicant over the age of 60 is eligible for assistance from the state.
The test requires the applicant not earn more than R49 920 a year, and have assets worth not more than R831 600 if single.
If married, it requires a maximum combined income of R99 840 a year, and a combined asset value of not more than R1,7 million.
Nkambule said the senior citizens in the Mpumalanga had called on government to consider introducing one comprehensive municipal bill, which will include all the services provided by the municipality.
“We are also calling for more service centres designated for the elderly and to be assisted with identity documents. We want intense monitoring on allocation of RDP houses,” she said.
Nkambule is a former councillor for Umjindi, who served for the ANC in Ward 7 from 2006 to 2011.
She currently serves as the chairman for the elderly people in Mpumalanga, which is an organisation responsible for the needs of all senior citizens in the province.
Nkambule delivered her address during the Senior Citizens’ Parliament held at the legislature recently.
The Senior Citizens’ Parliament was celebrated under the theme “Working Together with our Senior Citizens to move Mpumalanga forward”.
Among those present was Sam Nzima, the well-known photographer who captured the famous picture of Hector Peterson during the 1976 Soweto uprising, and former SABC Ligwalagwala FM station manager, Steve Ngwenya, who also resides in Emjindini.
Legislature Member, Victor Vusumuzi “VV” Windvoël said they were aware of challenges faced by the elderly people.
“You are often left to take care of your grandchildren due to HIV/Aids related deaths. We are assuring you that government is caring and it will continue to care for the aged.”
Windvoël further encouraged the elderly to participate in community platforms such as community police forums and school governing bodies in order to instil discipline in the community.
