Taung, South Africa – In a recent public hearing conducted by the Portfolio Committee on Social Development in Taung, residents of the Ruth Mompati District Municipality expressed their support for the amendments proposed in the Older Persons Amendment Bill. The hearing provided a platform for local elderly residents to share their perspectives and experiences.
According to Parliament of South Africa, the bill aims to strengthen the protection of older persons, prevent abuse, eliminate harmful practices like witchcraft accusations, and recognize the role of the elderly in imparting inter-generational knowledge. A significant provision in the bill advocates for the temporary safe care of older persons without requiring a court order.
A common concern raised by the elderly in Taung was financial abuse by family members, particularly grandchildren who misuse their grant money. This issue has led to significant hardships for many, including lack of food, poor living conditions, and inability to access pensions. Participants called for this to be recognized as statutory abuse punishable by law.
The residents also reported an increase in burglary incidents at facilities for older persons, with little to no police investigation following their reports. They suggested that the bill should include the establishment of facilities closer to older persons’ residences, to improve access to medical services and legal recourse.
Another issue highlighted was the location of social grant pay points, with the only ATMs being in Vryburg, causing long queues and travel hardships for frail and sickly older persons. The lack of amenities like chairs, shelter, and ablution facilities at these points exacerbates the situation.
The means test for the Old Age Grant was also discussed, with some elderly women facing gender-based violence from spouses due to ineligibility for the grant. These women, often primary caregivers, find themselves disadvantaged and subjected to abuse.
Participants called for more professionalized care for older persons in healthcare facilities and police stations and the capacitation of officials running these facilities. They urged for administrative and business skills training to meet the needs of the elderly as prescribed in the Older Persons Act.
Service centers for older persons, especially in villages, were reported to lack proper infrastructure, operating under trees without necessary facilities like ablution services, water supply, or food gardens. This inadequacy discourages attendance and fails to promote active ageing.
Ms. Nonkosi Mvana, Chairperson of the committee, assured that the views and submissions made during the hearing will be collated into a report for debate in the National Assembly. Following this, recommendations on the amendment Bill will be forwarded to the National Council of Provinces for further legislative processes.