Plight of the elderly gets attention in Standerton
Nandi Shongwe from the province sent a strong religious message by way of prayer, to reach out to those who had passed away, and those directly and indirectly affected by the pandemic.
A provincial target group converged at a guesthouse in town on Wednesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 19 to discuss an operational plan for the elderly.
The office of the premier, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, was represented and other delegates included representatives from the Department of Social Development, Department of Justice, Department of Higher Education and Training, Department of Health, Standerton Police, Sassa, Standerton Taxi Association, Lekwa Local Disability Forum and Mpumalanga Older Persons Forum.
Siphiwe Khumalo from Lekwa Municipality welcomed the guests.
Nandi Shongwe from the province sent a strong religious message by way of prayer, to reach out to those who had passed away, and those directly and indirectly affected by the pandemic.
“We need to integrate programmes that will speak to the plight of the elderly,” Shongwe said.
Sifiso Mkhondwane took a microphone to all attendees for introduction purposes.
Mkhondwane said on Thursday, May 19 that a session focusing on people with disabilities was also held.
Gender-based violence with regard to women was also discussed.
“The Department of Social Development has to address the elderly’s need for proper care,” Mkhondwane also said.
“They can’t afford accommodation with a Sassa-grant, at an old age home.“
Everybody was urged, especially women, to use the location setting on their cell phones.
