Gauteng Social Development urges elderly to report abuse

The City of Johannesburg hosted an elderly abuse awareness and prevention campaign at Pupeleng Centre for the Aged at Mayibuye in Rabie Ridge on Friday, 29 November. 

Social worker Essau Ratshibvumo addressed the elderly on behalf of the City, “Your children and grandchildren are abusing you. They give birth to babies and dump them with you. When you agree to look after their children, you are promoting their wrongdoings. You agree because you want to benefit from child support grant not knowing you are adding stress amongst yourselves, tell them you are not a dumping site.”

The Department of Social Development said that in terms of the Older Persons Act No. 13 of 2006, the department is mandated to promote the protection of older persons against abuse and to ensure that their rights are upheld and respected. “The abuse of older persons has a negative impact on their physical, emotional, social and economic well-being and it happens across all economic, ethnic, religious, gender and cultural groups. Raising awareness and working towards creating an environment whereby Older Persons report elder abuse, therefore, becomes necessary,” the department said.

Clarah Ngomane, a social worker from the Department of Social Development gave a presentation on how to prevent elderly abuse. “When your children abuse you in any form, go to social workers or a police station to report it. Do not allow anyone to control your finances without permission,” she urged.

Ngomane told the elderly to relieve stress by joining social clubs and spend time with their peers. “As the government, we strive to fight against elderly abuse and look after your well-being.”​

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/198601/elderly-man-arrested-for-alleged-rape-of-a-teenager/