Parliament, Sunday, 5 November 2021 – The elderly residents of greater Lejweleputswa District Municipality unanimously supported the objectives of the Older Persons Amendment Bill [11-2022] and underscored their hope that passing of the Bill will assist in solving substandard services they receive especially from the South African Police Service and the Department of Health.
The elderly people shared these views with the Portfolio Committee on Social Development during the second of three public hearings on the Bill that were conducted by the committee at Toronto Hall in Welkom yesterday.
A significant number of elders complained that whenever they reported cases at their local police stations, they received no indication of a commitment to investigate and resolve their complaints. They said this leaves them vulnerable to abuse and has increasingly resulted in unwillingness to report cases of abuse. The elderly people criticised the Department of Health citing, among other things, waiting in long queues for a long time at clinics and being disrespected by health officials.
Participants told the committee that their support hinged on the proposals contained in clause 4 that compel all organs of state and all officials, employees, and representatives of organs of state and stakeholders to respect, protect and promote the rights of older persons as contained in the Act.
Despite the support by majority, some participants highlighted their concern regarding the reporting of cases of abuse to a social worker or healthcare provider. They argued that as a result of the lack of personal protection, it is difficult to report cases of abuse and that results in the perpetuation of the acts of abuse against the elderly people.
Many participants welcomed the intention of the Bill to coordinate government functions aimed at aligning the protection of the rights of older persons. The public hearings were held as part of a nationwide public hearings process to solicit the views of citizens on the Bill as required by Section 59 (1) of the Constitution.
The Older Persons Amendment Bill seeks to promote and improve the protection and care of South Africa’s older people. It aims to strengthen the protection and prevention of abuse of older people, eliminate harmful traditional practices including witchcraft accusations against older people and recognise the responsibilities of older people in passing inter-generational knowledge and wisdom. The Bill also seeks to make provision for the removal of older people to temporary safe care without a court order.
The committee will today hold the last leg of the public hearings in the Free State in Botshabelo. It invites all interested individuals and organisations to come out in their numbers to share their views with the committee.
Details of the hearings (Day 3)
Date: Sunday, 5 November 2023
Time: 10:00
Venue: Simson Sefuthi Hall, Botshabelo
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, MS NONKOSI MVANA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
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