Rights of the elderly in Nelson Mandela Bay the focus at year-end function

The rights and concerns of the elderly in Nelson Mandela Bay were highlighted during a year-end function and will lead to subsequent inclusive programmes with the elderly as its central focus.

The function, organised by the municipality’s Special Programmes Directorate, hosted hundreds of senior citizens from New Brighton, Motherwell, Kwadwesi and Walmer/Gqebera, and saw much more than a hearty meal and a jazz repertoire on offer.

With Dr Danny Jordaan, Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, and members of his executive committee in attendance, the senior citizens used the opportunity on offer to raise concerns about gangsterism, crime, cleansing, the unavailability of venues for their activities and the degeneration of good morals and religious values amongst other issues.

“We must see what it is that we can do to make life better for the elderly of this metro. We must take the city back from the criminals. They cannot terrorise the elderly in the community and as we go into the festive season in December, we have to intensify our efforts.

“We are constantly engaging with the South African Police Services and other security establishments and this is leading to successes.

“A special session must be arranged during the Integrated Development Plan and Budget processes for the elderly and the Older Persons Forum (OPF) to determine how budgetary provisions can be put in place to address their needs,” Dr Jordaan said.

Plans are afoot for more engagements with the elderly before the end of the year.