Senior citizens get education about abuse
Senior citizens filled the KwaThema Community Hall on Friday to receive education about abuse towards them.
The elderly abuse awareness campaign was organised by KwaThema’s victim empowerment centre with the aim to ensure that old people know where to report when they are abused.
Introducing the purpose of the day, Francina Thlwaele from the victim empowerment office, said the day was about educating the old people about abuse while also providing them with information that they may need when abused.
“Because our grannies are the victims of different abuse by their children, neighbours and the community, we want to give them information on what to do after abuse,” said Thlwaele.
She assured the senior citizens of the love that the youth has for them.
“The young people love you because of your wisdom and the knowledge that you have,” she said.
From the community safety Kuki Ngcongo encouraged the old people to report abuse to the police.
“Do not protect the abusers, report them to the police so that you can be protected,” said Ngcongo.
She encouraged the senior citizens to ensure that they do not live alone in their homes but rather employ someone to live with them.
“I wish that the government could build more old age homes where the elders can live in peace without worrying for their safety,” said Christina Mokotong (73).
She said many old people in the township have sleepless nights because of the abuse towards them.
Mokotong said the pensioners do not feel safe in their own homes, fearing for their lives.
“It is true that we are the targets of robberies and abuse,” concluded Mokotong.
