ENSAfrica law firm is hoping society and organisations particularly in Alex will combine efforts in providing sustainable protection, care and respect for elderly residents.
This was said by Ngwako Raboshakga of the firm’s pro bono programme operating from SanKopano Community Centre when appealing for the continuation of an initiative they launched end of last year in support of the elderly. This also, in reference to concerns raised in several articles in Alex News on the abuse of the elderly.
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Some of them are said to be left locked indoors by relatives, cheated of social grants by off-springs, dubious agencies and individuals and are left to fend for grandchildren on their own grants by children who also receive grants. Others are said to struggle to access medical and other social services entitled to them at their homes while some live in fear of invasions and construction of shacks in their yards without their authority.
Raboshakga said the initiative in partnership with the departments of justice, social development and the City Council created awareness on legal and other legislative frameworks which promote and protect the rights and caring for the elderly. He said the initiative exposed the elderly, their support organisations and local leaders to legislative and policy provisions in the Constitution and Older Persons’ Charter on how to:
- Maintain and promote their status, well-being, safety and security
- Maintain and protect their rights including against discrimination
- Help them stay in their homes in the community for as long as possible
- Regulate services and residential facilities for them
- Combat their abuse
- Enable them to participate in community life, inter-generational programmes and own clubs and associations
- Live in situations suiting their changing abilities
- Enable them to access opportunities promoting their social, physical, mental and emotional well-being.
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The provisions, he added, combine to ensure they access their rights to equality, respect and freedoms. Raboshakga added that additional inputs from the department of justice and the National Prosecuting Authority helped to clarify their rights to life, privacy, access and protection of their to social security. This in addition to social services and housing’s respective inputs on obligatory services to them on mental health and dementia and housing and evictions.
“We hope this was a start to be consolidated through ongoing sessions with more inputs to ensure the support is holistic and sustainable to enable them to live safely and happily in the twilight of their lives.”
Details: ENSAfrica 011 555 0980
