On Tuesday 1 October 2019, the weather was chilly, breezy and windy when the 'Communication Team' joined all other provincial departments at the 2019 Senior Citizens Parliament, a prestigious event held at Thembeni Sportsfield, Groutville in KwaDukuza Municipality, Stanger. Senior citizens of Groutville and the surrounding areas were in real touch with the ‘provincial government’. In essence, this was the celebration of International Day for Senior Citizens. The event was celebrated under the theme “Older Persons Moving South Africa Forward”. The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Mr. Sihle Zikalala, graced the event and was accompanied by a team of bold women, who are also part of the Provincial Cabinet. They eagerly showered the elderlies with all the joys and happiness they deserve. Mrs. Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, MEC for Human Settlements and Public Work was the busiest person – serving as the day’s Programme Director.
In attendance and also supporting the Premier were the following cabinet members, who were also included in the programme outline, namely religious leaders, Cllr Gumede – the Mayor of ILembe District Municipality, Mrs Memela, the Chair of Provincial Senior Citizen Forum, Honourable Mbatha-Cele – Chairperson of Quality of Life Standing Committee, Ms Khoza the MEC for Department of Social Development and Cllr Govender – Mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality who also rendered a ‘thanks giving’ message.
Before the programme started, essential services were rendered for the Senior Citizens. Services were offered by provincial departments that included Social Development, Home Affairs, Health and SASSA, not excluding Public Works. A throng of very good looking and orderly elderlies gathered in the exhibition marquee where interactive sessions were conducted by health practitioners from the provincial department of health with an aim at sharing vital health tips that would be of assistance to those who suffer from various chronic ailments. This was quite a relevant day and session, amid the spate of gender based violence that shook the country in recent weeks, the elderlies from Groutville were all geared up to find solace and enjoy the day with ‘government’. One may agree that when age takes its toll, one feels the comfort of joy, cogitation, tranquillity and everlasting peace. The event did not have any space or room for despair.
In his keynote address, Premier Zikalala has been very diplomatic but direct with government’s stance to robustly respond to the plights of the senior citizens of KwaZulu-Natal. It is well thought of that government will remain committed to health insurance program for elderly, Persons with Disabilities, the youth, the destitute and those individuals with low income and limited resources. In addition, they will be offered required medical services, hospitalization, counselling services, safety and protection as well as home health care benefits. According to Mr Zikalala, the provincial government further aims at providing life-enhancing services and vital support to people in later life. This is a move where the older persons will see a South Africa that moves forward.
