Parliament, Thursday, 7 November 2024 – The Select Committee on Social Services was briefed yesterday by the Department of Social Development on the Older Persons Amendment Bill. The committee heard the department’s responses to the inputs and negotiating mandates received from the nine provincial legislatures regarding the Older Persons Amendment Bill.
The committee Chairperson, Ms Desery Fienies, welcomed the department’s presentation, which outlined the key proposals and recommendations from the various provinces. “We appreciate the department’s detailed responses and their willingness to incorporate the concerns and suggestions raised by the provinces,” said Ms Fienies.
All nine provinces supported the Bill, with specific proposals to strengthen various clauses. Some committee members said that while the department did not agree with all the provincial recommendations, the explanations provided were reasonable and justified, helping members to understand the rationale behind their positions.
The objective of the Bill is to amend the Older Persons Act, 2006, so as to insert new definitions; to insert new provisions relating to the monitoring and evaluation of all services to older persons; and for the removal of older persons to a temporary safe care without a court order. The Bill also tightens up the existing implementation and compliance measures; effects textual amendments for greater clarity; and provides for matters connected therewith.
Issues raised by the committee in its engagement included expanding the inter-departmental structure to enhance coordination on infrastructure, food security and community engagement for older persons. The department said it would work to formalise these collaborative arrangements through regulations.
Members of the committee welcomed the department's collaborative approach and responsiveness to the provincial inputs. “This level of engagement will be crucial as we finalise our recommendations on the amendment Bill,” said Ms Fienies
The committee will now further consult with the provincial legislatures on the proposed amendments before presenting its final report to the National Council of Provinces.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL SERVICES, DESERY FIENIES
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 4974694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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