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Minister Honours the Elderly
South Africa
By Lazarus Mabasa, All Africa
December 15, 2004
Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya has urged people to care and support the elderly, as required by law, to promote and protect their rights.
Dr Skweyiya was speaking in Cape Town yesterday, at a Christmas function organised by his department to honor older persons for their significant contribution to the social, economic and political development of the country.
The function was held at the College of Education in Kuilsrivier and was attended by at least 1000 older persons, government officials, and representative from the community as well as the civil society.
The minister applauded the important role that the elderly had played in society, emphasising particularly their significant role in enhancing social integration and cohesion.
"We would not be free today had it not been for the sterling role you the elderly have played in the struggle for freedom and democracy in our country. We are here today celebrating ten years of freedom because of you.
"Even more importantly, you have continued to strengthen and keep families together under very difficult conditions of poverty, diseases and underdevelopment," said Dr Skweyiya.
He said family was the core and most important basic element of society and the older people continued to take care of children in families.
He said their role in building positive values and even taking care of those who were sick, using even their meager social grants, especially with the devastating impact of HIV and AIDS, was also highly commendable.
"Building of social integration and social cohesion to which the older persons are contributing is very vital for sustainable development," the minister said.
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