BUDGET CUTS AND COLLABORATION TOP AGENDA AT KZN OLDER PERSONS FORUM

Mthobisi Mbanjwa

• The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Older Persons Forum brought attention to the severe impact of budget cuts on essential services for older persons, particularly in healthcare, social support, and recreational programmes.
• District Champions called for stronger collaboration between government, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address systemic challenges and create a more supportive environment for older persons, especially in rural areas.
• MEC Mbali Shinga reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for resources and fostering partnerships to ensure older persons not only survive but thrive with dignity and support.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Older Persons Forum, held yesterday, 26 November 2024, in Musgrave, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, highlighted pressing concerns raised by District Champions representing older persons at the grassroots level. Central to the discussions was the adverse impact of recent budget cuts on services for older persons, an issue brought directly to the attention of the KZN MEC for Social Development, Ms Mbali Shinga.

District Champions outlined how financial constraints have severely hampered the province’s ability to deliver essential services to older citizens. These budget cuts have affected critical areas such as access to healthcare, social support, and recreational programmes, which are vital to ensuring older persons live with dignity. Many older persons, particularly in rural areas where services are already limited, are now left vulnerable. The champions expressed a collective concern that, if these challenges persist, the quality of life for older persons will continue to decline.

In addition to raising budgetary concerns, the District Champions called for greater collaboration between the provincial government and local stakeholders. They acknowledged MEC Mbali Shinga’s willingness to engage but emphasised the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to address the systemic challenges facing older persons. By fostering stronger partnerships with government departments, NGOs, faith-based organisations (FBOs), and the private sector, the champions believe a more supportive environment can be created for older persons.

This forum follows a Rights of Older Persons session hosted by the Office of the Premier in July, during which a five-year strategic implementation plan to support older persons in KwaZulu-Natal was introduced. At that session, the KZN Older Persons Forum requested a direct engagement with the MEC, making yesterday’s meeting a fulfilment of that promise.

MEC Mbali Shinga reaffirmed her commitment to addressing the concerns raised during the Provincial Older Persons Forum, underscoring the importance of collaboration and dialogue in shaping policies that prioritise the well-being of older persons.

“I am dedicated to working closely with older persons and their representatives. These dialogues are crucial in shaping responsive policies that prioritise the well-being and dignity of older persons in our province. Together, we can create a unified approach to uplift our older persons, ensuring they not only survive but thrive, supported by a robust network of government and community-driven initiatives,” she stated.

MEC Shinga further reassured attendees that their concerns are being heard and pledged to advocate for the necessary resources and support.

The Provincial Older Persons Forum forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure older persons actively participate in programmes and initiatives designed to meet their needs. It also aims to strengthen relationships between the government and community-based organisations, creating a unified approach to uplifting the province’s older persons.