The North West government has warned the province's elderly to be vigilant against exploitation by unscrupulous individuals.

Honoring senior citizens at a function on Tuesday, acting Premier Mandlenkosi Mayisela spoke against trading stores that took advantage of the elderly, by charging them high prices for credit purchases for groceries.

He warned that harsh action would be taken to curb such under-handed tactics.

"Not only shall we take harshest measures possible against credit trading stores but even the loan sharks who exploit our grandparents.

"And as government, we are keeping track of loan sharks that are benefiting at the expense of our grandparents and we say their days are numbered. It will not be too long before they are no longer free people," said Mr Mayisela.

He was addressing over 400 elderly persons who came in buses to grace the International Day for Older Persons that was at Dryharts, outside Taung.

Mr Mayisela highlighted the plight of households headed by grandmothers.

He said the women remained a source of wisdom and never neglected their family and communal responsibilities.

He added that some of their historical challenges had always been to raise grandchildren in the absence of their parents, due to labor migration and premature deaths.

Mr Mayisela said communities needed to respect the rights of the older persons as stipulated in the Older Persons Bill and ensure their protection from abuse.

The province also celebrated the belated birthday of one of its oldest persons, 105-year-old Mmamosadi Mohutsiwa

Ms Mohutsiwa shared her gigantic cake with those gathered at the event and received food parcels and a bed.

An exhibitions centre was also on site showcasing the artwork of the elderly in the area, which included beadwork and colorful ornaments.

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