The Department of Social Development (DSD) calls on communities to act against the abuse of elderly people and people living with disabilities.

Through awareness campaigns, the Lenasia DSD educates the public on identifying and preventing sexual, financial, emotional and physical abuse. It caters for Eldorado Park, Freedom Park, Nana’s Farm, Slovo Park, Kliptown and Klipspruit West.

Vuyiswa Molaba, a social work supervisor at the Lenasia DSD, said awareness creates an opportunity for everyone to remove barriers and improve the quality of life for elderly people and those with disabilities.

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“Our goal is to safeguard the rights of vulnerable individuals, promote their inclusion in society and prevent abuse through concrete action,” she said.

Molaba said disabilities can result from physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional and developmental impairments or a combination of these.

SA observes National Disability Rights Awareness Month from November 3 to December 3, with the final day marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

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Meanwhile, elderly abuse continues to be a serious social concern. Communities are encouraged to report any suspicion of abuse to social workers or the police, as outlined in Section 21 of the Older Persons Act No 13 of 2006.

Molaba said the protection of vulnerable groups is everyone’s responsibility.

“We urge communities to stand together and create safer environments for our elderly and people living with disabilities,” she said.

Key legislation protecting these groups includes the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996), the Older Persons Act No 13 of 2006, and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2016).

You can report abuse or rights violations to the Older Persons Unit on 011 355 9408 or the Disability Unit on 011 355 9401.