KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has declared war on the members of the public who accuse senior citizens of witchcraft due to the onset of dementia and related mental conditions.
Premier Dube-Ncube said this during the commemoration of International Day for Senior Citizens, which was hosted in Umkhanyakude District Municipality on Sunday, 1 October 2023.
The Premier said she is worried about the increasing number of senior citizens being killed because of claims of witchcraft.
“The onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s mental conditions causes forgetfulness among the elderly people. Unfortunately, this is interpreted as witchcraft by members of the public who then hurl and inflict abuse on the senior citizens. As government, we have created an awareness campaign to educate the members of society so that they understand the causes and symptoms of dementia and related mental conditions,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
During the commemoration of International Day for Senior Citizens, Premier Dube-Ncube – on behalf of the Provincial Government – showered with gifts and cakes for senior citizens who turned 100 years old and above.
“Today is indeed a day where we celebrate our senior citizens. This commemoration is not a tick-the-box exercise but the restatement of our commitment to build a society characterized by equality, prosperity and justice.”
“We are gathered here today to tell 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,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
The Premier furthermore outlined what the provincial government has achieved in supporting SMMEs that senior citizens own.
In assisting senior citizens-owned cooperatives and entities, Premier Dube-Ncube awarded cheques to the value of R1 million.
“As Provincial Government, we have thus far been able to create opportunities for senior citizens to run their own businesses successfully. Here in Umtubatuba, we have Lethusizo Old Age Club which senior citizens manage, and the government is funding it,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
On the pressing issue of the late payment of SASSA grants to the elderly, Premier Dube-Ncube regretted that the technical glitches took place and assured the senior citizens that she is in constant contact with Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu so that those glitches do not occur again.
“The late payment of social grants to the elderly is deeply regretted, and we assure the senior citizens that such mishaps do not happen again,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.
The Premier concluded her address by urging senior citizens to take care of their lives by being active so that they stay healthy.
She also advised them to take their medications regularly and constantly because they still have a big role to play in society.