​As part of the Department’s ongoing commemoration of the Older Persons Week and Social Development Month, the Gauteng Social Development MEC Morakane Mosupyoe on Tuesday donated 109 blankets to older persons at Sebokeng Zone 3 and Zone 6 in Sedibeng.
Addressing the senior citizens, Mosupyoe said the annual celebration of the Older Persons Week is a reminder to everyone that as society we have a responsibility to ensure that our elderly are protected and enjoy their rights as articulated in the country's Constitution. She said it also aims to pay tribute to our senior citizens and raise awareness on issues that affect them.

“The month of October is important to our elderly and therefore, we urge everyone to do their bit to protect and care for elderly people”. MEC said government continues to prioritize the provision of basic needs to older persons because it cares and values them.

Mosupyoe encouraged the elderly to speak out against any form of abuse and said elderly people must continue to protect each other.

"It is humbling that we are given an opportunity today to come to our communities and show our elders love and appreciation while we still can. We are here as government of Gauteng to show our elders our support, listen to their problems and challenges and with the blankets we say thank you for your wisdom and guidance that you continue to give us’, she added.

Mosupyoe further made a plea to the elderly, to ensure that they all get vaccinated against Covid-19. She urged their children and grandchildren to assist them with registering on Electronic Vaccination Data Systems (EVDS).

She called on all South Africans to respect, protect and promote the rights of older persons as contained in the country's laws.

After receiving her blankets, a 94-year-old Selinah Monageng from Evaton, and a member of a local Lerato Centre said they are thrilled as elderly people to have been remembered with gifts from government during these difficult times of coronavirus that is said to dangerous to older people. A jubilant Monageng added that the blankets will keep them warm in winter and was looking forward to using it.

“We are happy to see that there are people who think about us. I am happy that I will have extra blankets now”, she added.

Another recipient, Aron Mtolo (84), from Zone 3 in Sebokeng said the blankets will help them when they go to church during cold days. Thanking the department, Mtolo encourages them to continue helping older people and all these who need help the most.