Senior citizens make huge contributions
Ms Numusa Mtsweni said the elderly are a pillar in society in terms of family support and inter-generational skills transfer.
eMBALENHLE – The Govan Mbeki Municipality has allocated sites for four old people and the Department of Social Development has committed itself to give each an RDP house.
The department also allocated funding of R31 560 for 20 elderly people to ensure the effective functioning of the Zimeleni Service Centre.
This was announced by Ms Nomusa Mtsweni, MEC of the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development, during the launch of Social Development Month and International Day of Older Persons on Thursday, 1 October at the eMbalenhle Sasol Club.
This event takes place at the beginning of Social Development Month which runs throughout the month.
Social Development Month aims at engaging communities to identify their challenges and put together action plans to deal with them.
The campaign that is held in conjunction with the National Development Agency (NDA) and the South African Social Security Agency’s (Sassa) goal is to inform communities of the various social security programmes available and how these can be accessed.
International Day of Older Persons is commemorated annually to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly.
Elderly people from the Gert Sibande District came in their numbers to celebrate the day.
They were informed about their rights and responsibilities as senior citizens and were given gifts.
Ms Mtsweni said the day represents an opportunity to appreciate the contributions that senior citizens make in the society.
“Your contributions are moving the country forward.
“Despite the many attempts by Government to improve older persons’ living conditions, there are still serious challenges facing older persons in our communities.
“Trying to address this, the department has begun with older persons dialogues to create a platform for senior citizens to participate in the development of policies and legislation that will promote their well-being.
“It also affords them a chance to evaluate all government services directed at the elderly and cite challenges facing them in their communities.
“On behalf of Mr David Mabuza, Mpumalanga Premier, I visited some families of older persons earlier this year and committed myself to return and most importantly to address the challenges they face.
“I am here today to give these short term interventions.
“Working with various government departments, agencies and municipalities we will deal with challenges faced by the elderly.”
Ms D Khubaye of the Mpumalanga Older Persons Forum, commended the department and Ms Mtsweni for always remembering and taking care of senior citizens.
For free breaking and community news, visit our websites:
Ridge Times, Standerton Advertiser & Highvelder
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
