Pretoria - As the nation prepares to celebrate Freedom Day tomorrow, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has called on local communities to respect the rights of the elderly.
Mokonyane also called on members of the public to be vigilant against those who abuse the elderly and to report such abuse to the authorities.
“Our freedom is really not worth the paper it is written on if we allow the dehumanization of our elderly to continue unabated. So, when we celebrate Freedom Day tomorrow, let us ensure that there elderly also enjoy the fruits of freedom,” Mokonyane said.
South Africans will on Saturday converge at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to celebrate the 19th anniversary since casting their ballots for a democratic country.
Mokonyane said the democratic dispensation was aimed at ensuring that everyone’s rights – including the elderly – were upheld and respected.
“However, recent events about the abuse, neglect, rape and even murder of the elderly have again placed the spotlight on how we treat our elderly,” she said.
The premier urged families to pay special attention and take better care of the elderly as “they deserve happiness in their twilight years”. - SAnews.gov.za
