Parliament, Saturday, 26 August 2023 – The Older Persons Amendment Bill which is currently a subject of a nationwide public consultation process by the Portfolio Committee on Social Development continues to receive overwhelming support from different sectors of society.
Today the committee conducted public hearings on the Bill in Gert Sibande District Municipality, in Mpumalanga, where hundreds of citizens endorsed the draft legislation and called for its immediate passing and implementation.
Representatives from elderly peoples’ forums, owners of old age centres and individuals told the committee that the Bill addresses the daily living experiences of senior citizens and welcomed its objectives of seeking to improve the security and protection of elderly people.
Some elderly people could not hold their tears when they related stories of how they were accused of witchcraft by community and family members, especially those with darker complexion.
Other examples of abuse included stories by elderly people of being forced out of their houses by greedy grandchildren who want to rent out the property for profit, as well as the allegations of the killing of senior citizens for funeral policy claims by family members. The committee also heard that cases of rape and the attacks of elderly people were often dismissed in court when a victim failed to identify a suspect due to poor eyesight and memory as a result of old age.
There was also a submission about the need to bring back the Adult Basic Education and Training programme in the communities to help older people to read and write so that they can be able to receive and manage their old age grants themselves and stop relying on their sneaky grandchildren.
Some of the personal cases raised during the public hearings that required immediate intervention were referred to social workers who attended the public hearings. The Acting Chairperson of the committee, Ms Jane Manganye,thanked the members of the public for their inputs and said the voice of the community was important for the enrichment of the lawmaking process.
The Bill 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.
Tomorrow the committee will conduct public hearings in Nkangala District Municipality, in Sinethemba Hall in Delmas at 10:00.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, MS JANE MANGANYE.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, please contact:
Name: Sakhile Mokoena
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 081 705 2130
E-mail: smokoena@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour