More than 150 elderly people spent quality time with the minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, during a special lunch hosted in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality boardroom on 9 January.
Her co-hosts were Free State MEC Mamiki Qabathe and the district executive mayor, Veronica Ntakumbana.
This event is usually held annually in December, and marks a commitment to caring for elderly people.
“The gathering was held in January as the minister’s December schedule was very tight. It forms part of her ongoing campaign to raise awareness around the neglect and abuse of the elderly. Both Zulu and Qabathe are champions of the District Development Model in Lejweleputswa,” says Khaya Mqeke, Lejweleputswa communications manager.
Zulu cautioned the elderly to be vigilant when they access their pensions and social grants, and to report any abuse to the Department of Social Development.
The purpose of Zulu’s visit was to meet the forum of the elderly ,whose mandate is to take up and raise issues to the Department of Social Development.
“The problem is not about finding out, but about what to do,” says Mqeke.
“There are issues with human settlement, and the fact that clinics and hospitals are far from where they live.
“Also discussed were the transport problems experienced by the elderly and that there are no adequate places of entertainment to relieve them of the stressful environments they live in.
“The department is at the forefront in addressing the issues raised by the elderly people on a daily basis.”
The department’s campaigns are aimed at strengthening and mobilising communities, strengthening partnerships and promoting constructive engagement between the department and its agencies, and people in disadvantaged communities.
“These campaigns are also aimed at tackling poverty, hunger and social exclusion, and other related socio-economic anomalies such as substance abuse, dysfunctional families, HIV and AIDS related matters, child poverty, challenges faced by the elderly, youth related challenges, capacity building challenges for community based organizations and to address the entire gamut of challenges facing people we purport to serve.”
