Sbu spends a day with the elderly
Senior citizens want President Jacob Zuma to visit eMbalenhle.
eMBALENHLE – The human rights activist, Mr Sbu Hlolweni, spent a day with the elderly at eMbalenhle on Thusday, 1 October celebrating the International Day of the Older Persons.
Mr Hlolweni made headlines when he walked 300km to submit a memorandum in Mbombela on behalf of the elderly of eMbalenhle.
He also picketed outside the Govan Mbeki Municipality several times with the elderly who were complaining about their living conditions, including RDP houses for which they have applied but never received.
Mr Naphtal Jiyane was one of the complainants whose RDP house was built on somebody else’s yard. He has been waiting for 15 years to get the municipality to build him an RDP house on his own yard.
During the celebration, Mr Hlolweni told the senior citizens that they are celebrating the journey they have walked together and their achievements.
“Today we are celebrating our democracy while we will continue to fight for your rights.
“I never had a chance to know my grandparents because they died before I was born,” said Mr Hlolweni during his speech.
Ms Gladys Tsotetsi said she was sad that they were celebrating the Older Persons Day, because she does not have a place to stay since the RDP house she is living in, is cracking and the sewage enters the house.
“I have reported it to the municipality, but it falls on deaf ears,” said Ms Tsotetsi who is raising her two grandchildren after the death of their mother.
The seniors said they want President Jacob Zuma to visit the township instead of the stadium, because nobody lives there.
Mr Hlolweni said he was surprised to hear that the MEC of Social Development, Ms Nomsa Mtsweni, was in eMbalenhle to celebrate the day with the senior citizens.
“I contacted the MEC of Social Development’s office who told me they were arranging a visit to eMbalenhle and would inform me of the date and time.
“I was surprised to hear that they were here and I was not informed,” said Mr Hlolweni.
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