The MEC for social development, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, hosted an appreciation ceremony for the outgoing Mpumalanga Older Persons Forum on Tuesday February 13 at the Lilian Ngoyi Centre in Secunda, Govan Mbeki Local Municipality.

The event was held to appreciate the efforts and achievements of the outgoing forum. A new forum was elected. They have already started with their duties.

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During the event, the department encouraged the public to apply for their Grant in Aid, a social grant from Sassa for current social holders who require full-time care at home and are unable to care for themselves independently. They get an additional grant to pay the person who takes full-time care of them. This grant will be paid together with the social grant. The grant is R510, and older persons may apply for it in case they are unable to take care of themselves.

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Addressing the guests, Ntshalintshali said the event is to celebrate the outstanding performance of the forum since it was appointed in 2018.

She said the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa states older persons have rights to have their dignity respected and protected. All government agencies and departments providing services to older persons must not feel like they are doing them a favour. In conclusion, Ntshalintshali urged the elderly to report any form of abuse to local social workers, councillors and the SAPS.