The North West government has promised to deal with culprits who preyed on the money earned by older people, especially at social grant pay points.

It has also promised to publicly denounce loan sharks who milked pensioners by charging them huge interest on money borrowed.

This was in response to some concerns raised by the elderly who attended a Parliament of older persons in Mafikeng on Tuesday.

Local Government and Housing MEC Phenye Vilakazi said they would prioritise all the concerns raised and give feedback with solutions to the problems raised.

Four regional speakers voiced some problems they encountered in society.

One of their complaints was the effect of HIV and AIDS on granny- headed households and the burden of taking care of orphans.

Ms Gladys Mooketsi complained of elderly abuse, saying: "There is no respect in society. Old people get raped. They are even robbed of their pension grants".

Provincial Legislature Speaker Thandi Modise said there was a need to review the protection of pensioners in society.

She added that government should commit to building decent toilets and establishing medical care at paypoints. 

"We know that most of our elders suffer from high blood pressure and diabetes, we need to get mobile shelters and build toilets. There are so many issues that still need to be attended to and a seminar with the youth in order to resolve issues raised by elderly people," said Ms Modise.

Some of the older persons encouraged other regions to form service clubs to assist in the buying of groceries in bulk at reasonable prices.

The Parliament of older persons seeks to make elders key participants in the development and transformation of the country.

Copyright © Global Action on Aging
Terms of Use  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us