*Older Persons Amendment Bill [B11B 2022] Public Hearing*
Phuthaditjhaba, 09 October 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Education, Health and Social Services led by Hon. M. Liphoko, held the Public Hearing in Phuthaditjhaba, to solicit inputs from stakeholders and members of the public.
Stakeholders and members of the community from all over the district gathered to discuss and submit their inputs on this important legislation aimed at improving the lives of senior citizens. This Bill seeks to ensure that they are protected, respected and recognised in the society.
The key highlight of the day was the full participation and involvement by elderly people and their inputs being well received by the committee.
Among the issues raised are:
🔳 The need for priority services in shops and government facilities, to avoid the elderly having to wait on long queues.
🔳 Some of the calls included free access to older persons’ homes and greater opportunities for recreational activities, with funding to support participation in those activities.
🔳 Lastly, participants emphasised the importance of protection from abuse, harassment and derogatory name-calling as many older people are unjustly referred to as “witches’.
Stay tuned for more. The next Public Hearing will be held as follows:
☑️ Date: 22 October 2024
☑️ Time: 10:00
☑️ Venue: Toronto Hall
(Changed from Ferdi Meyer Hall).
☑️ Place: Thabong, Welkom
Matjhabeng Local Municipality
“An activist legislature that champions democracy.”
