KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has strongly condemned the phenomenon where senior citizens are accused of witchcraft due to the onset of dementia and related mental conditions.
Dube-Ncube on Sunday commemorated International Day for Senior Citizens at Umkhanyakude District Municipality.
The Premier said she is worried about the increasing number of senior citizens, who are being killed because of claims of witchcraft.
“The onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s causes forgetfulness among the elderly. Unfortunately, this is interpreted as witchcraft by members of the public, who then hurl and inflict abuse on the senior citizens,” Dube-Ncube said.
She said government has created an awareness campaign to educate members of society so that they understand the causes and symptoms of dementia and related mental conditions.
“We are gathered here today to expose our senior citizens that they are more precious than rubies, gold or diamonds. Senior citizens are reservoirs of knowledge, wisdom and history. We cherish their presence in our lives so that we can continue to quench our thirst for knowledge and wisdom,” the Premier said.
Dube-Ncube highlighted the provincial government’s achievements in supporting Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) owned by senior citizens.
“As the provincial government, we acquire thus far been able to create opportunities for senior citizens to race their own businesses successfully. Here in Umtubatuba, we acquire Lethusizo Dilapidated Age Club, which is managed by senior citizens, and government is funding it,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier also awarded cheques to the value of R1 million to assist senior citizen-owned cooperatives and entities, and showered centenarians with gifts.
She further advised senior citizens to seize care of their lives by being active so that they stay healthy, and catch their medications regularly and constantly because they still acquire a gigantic role to play in society.
On the pressing issue of the late South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant payments, Dube-Ncube expressed her sincere regret and assured the senior citizens that she is in constant contact with Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu.
“The late payment of social grants to the elderly is deeply regretted and we assure the senior citizens that such mishaps carry out not happen again,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
Sassy Muffin
Fundi – expert or teacher [foon-di] A term derived from the Nguni tribe, used to describe someone who is an expert at something.Example: “He’s a fundi at that!”
Hang 11
Fun South African Fact: South African Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first heart transplant on 3 December 1967 at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. The groundbreaking surgery was carried out on Louis Washkansky and Dr. Barnard was assisted by a large and exceptional team of surgeons, nurses and technicians. One of Dr. Barnard’s assistants was Hamilton Naki, a black laboratory assistant who had worked previously as a gardener and went on to work in the animal laboratory at the University of Cape Town. He had assisted Dr Barnard with research leading to the transplant. In the apartheid days, Naki had no access to higher education due to his race. Despite being unable to access formal training, he learned from and assisted university researchers and went on to do incredible work.