RECOGNISING THE ELDERLY AS VALUED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Sol Plaatje Municipality, Northern Cape
Over 300 elderly persons, within the Sol Plaatje municipal area, happily received winter essentials in the spirit of Mandela. In its third year running, this Elderly Care and Support initiative not only extends warmth and care to the elderly but also serves as a heartfelt reminder of their significance as cherished members of our society.
As part of the initiative, each of the beneficiaries received an embossed flannel fleece blanket, a silver double-wall flask, and other essential items, helping to starve off the cold and providing a sense of belonging and care during the cold winter months.
“This initiative was carried out during Mandela Month to serve, remember, and recognise our elderly as valued members of our communities. We remain steadfast in our dedication to promoting the welfare of older citizens and ensuring their dignified existence,” said Lesego Moisane, Community Liaison Officer for Matla Abolkone, which funded this initiative as part of its socio-economic development programmes.
The initiative also serves a greater purpose of promoting and upholding the rights, status, and well-being of older persons as outlined in the Older Persons Act of 2006.
The beneficiaries of the Elderly Care and Support Initiative included esteemed Old Age Homes such as Seochoareng Old Age, Gaasca Old Age, and Resthaven Old Age. The outreach extended further to encompass Community Service Centres located within a 50km radius of impact, ensuring a wide reach and meaningful impact on the lives of the elderly.
Furthermore, this Socio-Economic Development initiative contributed to the stimulation of a local SMME by working with a local young woman-in-business to provide and deliver the goods, therefore achieving double impact.