The Premier of KwaZulu committed to unveiling a holistic plan aimed at encouraging the elderly’s participation in the broader socio-economic development agenda.
This was the message Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli conveyed while observing International Day for Older Persons, which is commemorated globally today, 1 October.
Observing this day aims to show appreciation for senior citizens “as custodians of history, heritage and knowledge.”
The elderly must be included in the broader development agenda
This year’s theme, Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future, prompted the province to draw up initiatives that align with this.
“These initiatives are designed not only to protect and uphold the rights of senior citizens. It also enables them to play an active and meaningful role in their families, communities, and in KwaZulu-Natal’s broader socio-economic development agenda,” said Ntuli.
He addressed thousands of senior citizens at the Umzinto Sports Field in the uMdoni Local Municipality.
While doing so, he paid homage to the late Nathi Mthethwa, the Ambassador to France, who died this week, by observing a moment of silence.
Ntuli said the provincial government acknowledges that the elderly are among the vulnerable and undergo various forms of abuse. These include: physical and sexual violence, financial exploitation, social marginalisation, and harmful cultural practices such as witchcraft.
In response to the injustices the elderly experience, Ntuli indicated the province aims to strengthen protective mechanisms and promote social and economic inclusion for the elderly.
He praised senior citizens for their role in the fight against apartheid. He further recognised the significant role they played in combating the political violence KwaZulu-Natal experienced in the 1980s and 1990s.
Senior citizens present at the event were urged to work with the Provincial Government of Unity to end gender based violence and the abuse of the elderly.
