The Gauteng Department of Social Development Johannesburg Region hosted an Older Persons Abuse Awareness Campaign and where the elderly were afforded the opportunity to make comments or pose questions, at the Rabie Ridge Community Hall.
Research report by the Gauteng Department of Social Development states that the population of older persons has become more significant in the South African society during the past decades. While an increasingly ageing population is a positive sign indicating, among others, longer life expectancy and hence a better quality of life for the citizens, old age also brings with it challenges for the ageing individuals, their families as well as the state.
Speaking to abo gogo who attended the event, Social Worker, Lerato Murwa said, "You are the cornerstone of our different societies and we rely so much on you for your wisdom despite different abuses you endure in the hands of the children you help to upbring".
Murwa encouraged senior citizens to utilize the department offices in Rabie Ridge to report abuse and never wait until it is too late. She said that grannies have rights and responsibilities too.
Bridget Nkuna, a Social Worker from the City of Joburg said that most of the crimes perpetuated against older persons is because of drugs by their own children. She encouraged the growth of the Rabie Ridge Senior Citizens Clubs which was started in 1985.
Granny Minor Shirilele said that, "Among other abuses is self-inflict because we allow it to happen. The grant money is actually meant for deserving pensioners not to spoil our ungrateful and spoiled grandchildren".
The gogos made comments and raised questions such as disobedient grandchildren, different abuses by family members.