Wellbeing of older people prioritized
Heart-breaking reports of cruelty towards elderly folk dominated community newspapers in June, but President Jacob Zuma has given the rights and well-being of older people Centre stage.
JOHANNESBURG – Older Person’s Week was launched on September 29 and was observed on the September 30 where the key focus was the celebration of International Day of Older Person’s on October 1 as well as Grandparents Day commemorated every first Sunday of October.
“Each year the United Nations provides the theme for the commemoration of International Day of Older Persons considering the challenges facing older persons globally during the particular year. The 2013 theme is “The future we want, what older persons say.” All activities during Older Persons Week are focused on this theme,” said the Presidency.
President Zuma has urged all South Africans to take Older Persons Week seriously and mark it with dignity and respect for older persons.
Kick-starting the celebrations, President Zuma gave recognition to the contributions made by elderly folk to the nation, also in their own families.
“They lived through troubled times, worked hard and raised their children and grandchildren and cared for families as best as they could. The majority were denied decent education. They were forcibly removed from their homes and suffered immeasurable loss but they survived. We are glad they contributed so positively to the South Africa we live in today,” said President Zuma.
Many have said that the Government observing the rights and dignity of a generation of older persons has been a long overdue outcome and are pleased that those who were affected by the country’s troubled past will also get recognition.
Dialogues promoting a better life for elderly folk were facilitated by the Department of Social Development where faith based organisations and non-governmental organisations were urged to host programmes that will take this campaign forward.
