Dear Editor
As citizens around the world come together today to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the Democratic Alliance paid a visit to the Ekhanana Old Age Home in Umlazi, Durban to give back to some of the city’s oldest residents.
In a society where the elderly are often sadly overlooked or forgotten, it was wonderful to spend the day with the residents of Ekhanana to bring them some cheer and make their day extra special.
A delegation led by DA Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen, carried out some much-needed garden maintenance of the old age facility, including grass-cutting and raking. Steenhuisen was joined by DA KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Leader, Francois Rodgers, DA KwaZulu-Natal Deputy Provincial Leader, Councillor Sithembiso Ngema, and DA Umlazi Constituency Head, Mmabatho Tembe.
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal also made a donation of a lawnmower, garden rakes, groceries, and supplies to Ekhanana to ensure that the facility can sustain its upkeep and continue to serve its 40 elderly residents. This donation will go a long way towards ensuring that Ekhanana remains a safe haven for the elderly in Umlazi.
Finally, the DA hosted a special high tea for the residents of Ekhanana where we thoroughly enjoyed engaging with some of Umlazi’s oldest locals, hearing the many stories they had to tell us of their lives.
In a society that is dominated by the growing needs of the youth, it is important not to forget the needs of those who came before us.
Like many old age facilities in Umlazi, Ekhanana struggles to make ends meet for its residents who are dependent on subsidies from the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Social Development.
The DA has called on the provincial government to increase these subsidies and increase the provision of facilities for the elderly in the province, to ensure the safety and care of the aged.
We will continue to lobby for this crucial social support upon which thousands of residents depend for their livelihood in their old age.
It is also important that provincial government work to combat the cultural stigma around old age facilities which are often viewed by many families as a dumping ground for the elderly.
With the correct awareness programmes and education initiatives, we can ensure that the elderly are revered and cared for as a source of societal wisdom instead of an afterthought in the household.
While social provisions such as the old-age grant go a long way to supporting the elderly, South Africa would also greatly benefit from dedicated funding models for old age homes where the elderly can live out their days in safety and comfort.
South Africans no longer of working age deserve to live out their days in safety and comfort.
It is absolutely vital that in our pursuits for a brighter future for South Africa’s children, we do not forget about the millions of South Africans who fought so fervently for the freedoms we enjoy today.
On this Mandela Day, it was wonderful not only to reconnect with some of South Africa’s elderly community, but to remind our country, and our government, of the importance of taking them along with us as we progress as a nation.
Regards
John Steenhuisen MP
Leader of the Democratic Alliance
Palomino
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Instant Star
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