​Gauteng Social Development MEC Morakane Mosupyoe calls on all South Africans, young and old, to protect, promote and respect the rights of older persons as articulated in the Constitution. 
Mosupyoe reminded everyone that older person are the pillars of many families and still have a meaningful role to play in society. 

MEC was speaking during a special lunch with older persons at the Emerald Resort and Casino in Vanderbijlpark on Thursday. The lunch was aimed at honouring and acknowledging contribution made by senior citizens to society and to the development of the province. She said older persons are a treasure to any self-loving nation and therefore any society that cannot take care of its elderly is not a society that should take itself seriously. 

“Our purpose as government is to give you support, upliftment and protection because indeed you are considered as the source of information, you are mediators and embodiment of sound moral values that should be appraised by our society”, said MEC to senior citizens. 

“No one should tell you that you are useless, we are where we are today because of sacrifices that you made. For us who are not as old and wise as you are, our focus should be how we can draw inspirations and learn from your experiences. You still have much role to play in our society “,she added. 

The MEC further encouraged senior citizens to protect and look after each other. She used the day to acknowledge and highlight older person’s valuable contribution in society, encouraged the public to care for elderly people and advocate for their protection, support and dignity. 

“We all have a legal duty and a moral obligation to treat Older Persons as human being with full rights”, she added.
 
“Older people increasingly play a critical role in society through transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in activities that promote healthy living”. 

MEC further encouraged elderly people to vaccinate so that they could soon reclaim their lives and resume with their usual activities. 

More than 91 older persons including a centenarian Martha Lunga who is 101-year-old received one thousand rand (R1000) Shoprite gift voucher, toiletries, blankets and electric bulbs as token of appreciation from the Gauteng Provincial Government. 

Sedibeng Older person’s secretary Emily Mokheli said while they welcome and are grateful for the government’s good gesture , they are still having a dissatisfaction with their old age grant that has not been increased. Also she said elderly people want to get back to their exercising programmes. They appreciated every support they received from government during the hard lockdown when covid-19 hit the world.