Older Persons Amendment Bill Must Ensure Dignity and Protection

Dear Editor

This past week, Democratic Alliance (DA) MPLs formed part of delegations from the Eastern Cape Legislature, holding public engagements across the province to get the public’s input on the Older Persons Amendment Bill (B11 – 2022). The DA emphasised the need for robust protections and services for South Africa’s senior citizens.

The DA emphasised its support for the rights of older persons while raising concerns over potential loopholes in the Bill that may lead to unintended consequences. Our elderly population, one of the most vulnerable groups in society, continues to face abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

This bill offers hope by strengthening rights protections and ensuring coordinated care services. Yet, the risk of misuse and lack of clarity on vital definitions may jeopardise the very protections it seeks to provide.

The impact on real lives cannot be understated. Ensuring both their safety and dignity should be paramount.

The DA welcomes many of the proposed amendments, such as strengthening the rights of older persons against abuse and harmful practices, particularly in cases of property exploitation and witchcraft accusations, enhanced monitoring and evaluation of community-based services to ensure accountability and improved care standards, and the introduction of temporary safe care provisions to offer immediate protection to those at risk.

However, we have flagged areas of concern that must be addressed, including the fact that the bill leaves several “stakeholders” undefined, raising questions about accountability and the roles of caregivers and family members in residential settings.

Public hearings have also highlighted concerns regarding the lack of support for substance abuse amongst the elderly, family members who are abusing the elderly and stealing old age grant money, and the lack of suitable old age facilities.

The DA remains committed to our older citizens’ protection, dignity, and well-being. We call on the Department of Social Development to work closely with all stakeholders and to take the inputs that were received this week into consideration. Together, we can ensure that no older person is left vulnerable in our society.

Regards

Marlene Ewers MPL
DA Shadow MEC for Social Development