​The abuse of senior citizens is at an increase, this is according to the Johannesburg Older Persons Forum Chairperson , Kedi Mofube.
Mofube was speaking during the march organized by the Gauteng Department of Social Development Johannesburg Regional office and the Johannesburg Older Persons Forum as a build up to the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at Fleurhof Recreational Centre.

She said while the cases were on the rise, this is not matched by conviction for these crimes, as senior citizens withdraw cases.

Mofube encouraged Gogos and Mkhulus to refrain from withdrawing abuse cases against their own children and relatives She said, “Once you withdraw the case against your child, it does not mean that the abuse will stop. It might get worse and at that time you would have disadvantaged yourself and have opened the door for worse to come”.

Mofube indicated that their forum caters for everyone above 60 years and advocates and lobby for the rights of older persons.

World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day is held on June 15th and is an annual international UN observance day on the same day each year. The day came about because of the UN resolution 66/127.

Representatives from the Department of Health, Bertha Molelekwa encouraged the attendees to keep fit and to lead a healthy lifestyle by ensuring that you exercise and eat healthy.

A Social Worker, substance abuse unit, Winnie Phuduhudu warned senior citizens about the dangers of abusing drug and encouraged them to report such occurrences to the authorities.

Types of abuse levelled against senior citizens are physical, emotional/psychological, financial/material, social/physical, self/neglect and sexual to mention a few.

Last week both Tshwane and Joburg Regions hosted the Older Persons Awareness Programs as part of the build-up activities towards the commemoration of Provincial Elder Abuse Awareness Day.