North-West Province, South Africa – The Portfolio Committee on Social Development of South Africa is set to conduct public hearings on the Older Persons Amendment (OPA) Bill from 24 to 26 November 2023 in the North-West Province.
According to Parliament of South Africa, the proposed amendments to the OPA Bill are aimed at enhancing the protection and prevention of abuse of older persons, addressing harmful traditional practices like witchcraft accusations, and acknowledging the role of older persons in imparting inter-generational knowledge. Additionally, the Bill proposes provisions for the removal of older persons to temporary safe care without requiring a court order.
The committee is inviting citizens and organizations to participate in the public hearings and provide their input on the OPA Bill. This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the legislative framework for the welfare and protection of older members of society.