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INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS

BRIEFING NOTES FOR PREMIER OF THE NORTHERN CAPE, MS HAZEL JENKINS AT THE OCCASSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS, 01 OCTOBER 2009

Programme Director

Member of the Executive Council for Social Services and Population Development Mr. Alvin Botes

Acting HOD

Staff and Officials

To all our Mothers and Fathers

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Every year throughout the world, Government’s celebrate the 01 October with their Elderly Citizens to thank them for their constructive role they play in their societies and to say how much they love them.

This day affords us all the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions older persons have made and are still making to their families and communities on a daily basis.

Older people are the cornerstone of our country, repository of our history, cultures, customs and our heritage and passing them on from one generation to another.

This occasion highlights the role of the senior citizens in our collective effort to build a better South Africa and a better world for our older people. Some of our elderly may be way past their productive age, with limited physical capabilities and income-earning capacities, yet are still too eager to contribute positively to society.

We also have a generation of older senior citizens, who have worked to build this nation and who have now retired and are enjoying life. They are our daily source of inspiration and the corner stones and pillars of our country.

These persons’ tireless dedication to the nation and sense of self-sacrifice is truly inspirational. Ageing is a true milestone of human development and achievement.

In our fast ageing world, older people will increasingly play a critical role - through volunteer work, transmitting experience and knowledge, helping their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labour force.

More and more, older persons are remaining active after retirement by engaging in activities such as through lifelong learning, working longer, and exercising which sustains health and capacity.

Already now, older persons make major contributions to society. For instance, throughout Africa –and elsewhere - millions of adult AIDS patients are cared for at home by their parents. On their death, orphaned children left behind are mainly looked after by their grandparents.

The Principles of caring and supporting our elderly are founded on the need to build an inclusive society that emphasizes participation, self-fulfilment, independence, care and dignity for all

As the Government we have campaigned for and implemented policies that will enable older persons to live in an environment that enhances their capabilities, fosters their independence and provides them with adequate support and care as they age.

We have also witness certain incident were the elderly are subjected to abuse and beating ups by their children and grandchildren. In some instances their pension grants are stolen and taken away from them. We must put an end to age discrimination, abuse, neglect and violence against older persons.

We say as government, we will not fail in our duty to protect, care and love our elderly.

We will always love you and appreciate the wonderful role that you play in society

May God continue to bless our nation and in a very special way, our Older Persons

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