Stop abuse of elderly – MEC

EERSTERUST CENTRE: TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR ALLEGED MALTREATMENT OF RESIDENTS

Concern at reports emanating from place where they should feel safe.

Gauteng social development member of the executive council (MEC) Nandi Mayathula-Khoza yesterday expressed concern over the alleged abuse of elderly people in Eersterust, east of Pretoria.

She said while she was studying a report produced by the Tshwane region of the department, she was planning a visit to the centre to consult stakeholders in order get to the bottom of the problems at the facility.

The MEC said it was concerning that abuse of the elderly was reported at a place where they should feel safe.

“I am deeply worried about the persistent reports of abuse of the elderly at this centre. The abuse of the elderly is one of the social ills that should not be tolerated. As government, we are doing all possible to ensure that no elderly are abused and those who do are held accountable,” she said.

“We have laws such as the Older Persons Act No 13 of 2006 which emphasises the rights and protection of older persons, the development of the Protocol on Elder Abuse and the adoption of the South African Older Persons’ Charter demonstrates the commitment by the SA government to the welfare of older persons. We are also keeping an eye on financial exploitation of them.”

Mayathula-Khoza said in 2014 the Gauteng government developed the Anti-Elder Abuse Strategy to intensify programmes for the protection of the elderly. – ANA

Abuse of the elderly is one of the social ills that should not be tolerated.

Nandi Mayathula-Khoza Gauteng social development MEC