Gogos celebrate life
“We are also encouraging them to report abuse because many are abused by their grandchildren and children.”
KwaThema – Deep Levels development committee for the elderly hosted an end-year celebration event to honour the older citizens and the disabled in the area. The event was aimed at educating young people about the importance of taking care of senior citizens in the area.
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During the event, the older citizens honoured William Jiyane, who at 100, is the oldest member of the group. Jiyane is regarded as one of the founding members of the organising committee.
Event organiser, Elizabeth Mkhwebane, says the committee to honour the elderly was established in 2005. “Every year around the festive period, we invite all the elders in the section to come together to reflect on their life’s journey, and the good health they have been blessed with. “We also shared on the importance of keeping healthy, and the value of leading a healthy lifestyle,” she says.
KwaThema police Constable Percy Modikoe says the elderly were taught about the importance of reporting incidents of violence against women and children to the police. “We have established that the elderly do not understand what gender-based violence is all about, and how to report it to the police.
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“We encouraged them to report their own abuse because many are abused by their grandchildren and children,” he says, adding the police also gave the elderly safety tips.
“Criminals target the elders and strip them of their valuables, especially their pension grant.
“We have urged them to refrain from opening their homes to strangers, or to disclose their personal information to anyone,” he adds.
