MEC SHINGA COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND LAUNCHES SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT MONTH

By Trevor Khuzwayo

• KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Ms. Mbali Shinga urged communities to support their vulnerable members during a gathering at the Kwabadala old age home, coinciding with the International Day for Senior Citizens and the launch of October as Social Development Month.
• The International Day for Senior Citizens celebrates the contributions of older individuals while raising awareness about the challenges they face, with MEC Shinga highlighting the importance of caring for older persons and combatting the abuse against them.
• October’s theme, “United in the fight against poverty and other social ills,” aims to promote programmes for poverty alleviation and access to interventions addressing high food prices, with activities planned by the Department of Social Development, NDA, and SASSA to support vulnerable groups.

In a heartfelt gathering at the Kwabadala old age home, KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Ms. Mbali Shinga, urged communities to care for their most vulnerable members while commemorating the International Day for Senior Citizens and launching October as Social Development Month. The International Day for Senior Citizens is celebrated annually to honour the contributions and wisdom of older individuals, while also addressing the challenges they face. “It concerns us to hear about the abuse of older persons. Caring for our elders is everyone’s responsibility. Today, we are here to spend time with our grannies and grandpas, showing them love and appreciation,” MEC Shinga stated.

Residents of the old age home participated in various sporting and recreational activities, including pegging, ball throw, and morabaraba, emphasising the importance of both physical and mental fitness. MEC Shinga announced that October marks Social Development Month, themed “United in the fight against poverty and other social ills.” This month aims to highlight programmes focused on poverty alleviation and fostering a caring society, as well as creating awareness and promoting access to interventions that tackle high food prices, one of the government’s key priorities.

Throughout the month, the Department of Social Development, alongside the National Development Agency (NDA) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), will engage in various activities to raise awareness of the services available to vulnerable groups. “We are committed to showcasing initiatives that promote access to social development services and improve the quality of life for all South Africans,” MEC Shinga concluded.