Lerome Village, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, North West Province – Elderly residents of Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, particularly those from Lerome Village, have shown overwhelming support for the proposed amendments to the Older Persons Act, as per the latest public hearings conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Social Development. These amendments are encapsulated in the Older Persons Amendment Bill.
According to Parliament of South Africa, the public hearings, held yesterday, witnessed a majority of the elderly participants advocating for the Bill, which seeks to revise the Older Persons Act of 2006. The current Act has been criticized for its inadequacies in safeguarding the well-being, safety, and health care of older persons, whether at home or in care centers.
During the hearings, many attendees proposed the inclusion of traditional authorities in the Bill, highlighting their pivotal role in protecting and improving the lives of older persons in their communities. The need for social workers to have the authority to oversee residential facilities for the elderly was also emphasized, ensuring these establishments comply with the required standards of care.
Participants voiced their concerns about the treatment of elderly individuals in healthcare facilities and police stations. They highlighted issues like long waiting times, inaccessible health centers, and unresponsive police officials in cases of elder abuse. The attendees also pointed out the negligence in reporting such abuses by neighbors, allegedly due to corrupt practices among police officers.
The community members urged the government to increase the number of social workers for home visits to protect vulnerable, solitary living elderly, particularly the frail. They also called for the revival of community initiatives like the Age in Action and Golden Games in the North West province.
A significant demand was for the representation of older persons in Parliament, suggesting the establishment of an Older Persons’ Desk, akin to those in provincial premier’s offices. The group also advocated for the elimination of the means test for the Old Age Grant and the recognition of the importance of recreational activities for the elderly.
The attendees demanded that the Rights Charter of Older Persons be not only promoted but also made available and enforced in public institutions, with penalties for violations of its principles. The discussions also touched upon the need for empowering police forums to prevent elder abuse and addressing the service disparities in residential care facilities between white and black communities.
Ms. Nonkosi Mvana, the Chairperson of the committee, announced the next steps post-hearings, stating that the committee will compile a report based on the views and submissions received, which will be presented to the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces, and the President for final approval and enactment.