Gogo goes to parliament

74-year-old Ms Belina Mpinga recently represented the elderly in parliament.

She said her trip to parliament was not a social one.

“I went there as a member of the Provincial Elderly Committee to address issues that senior citizens are facing in their communities,” Ms Mpinga said.

According to her they wanted the president, Mr Jacob Zuma, to be there, but he could not attend due to other commitments.

She was chosen last year to be a member of the provincial committee after being on the local committee for five years.

“This is a committee that looks out for elderly people,” she said.

Ms Mpinga, who was born in Vrede, believes the elderly are neglected.

She sees herself as an advocate for them because she speaks for the voiceless.

Ms Mpinga, who is passionate about promoting the rights of the elderly, also represented Mpumalanga at the Golden Games in Kimberly.

The Mpumalanga team made it all the way to the finals and ended second.

This mother of five said that being a member of the provincial committee taught her many positive things.

“My goal is to ensure that every elderly person in every community is taken care of.”

She said most of the elderly are abused at their homes and people turn a blind eye.

According to her, abuse is one of the major issues that the elderly face and it was discussed on her recent visit to parliament.

Some of the issues that the elderly face that were addressed in parliament include supporting families with a pension grant and the role of loan sharks.

“I am determined to improve the lives of all senior citizens,” Ms Mpinga said.

She urged the municipality to help them in any way possible.