GEORGE NEWS - The Department of Social Development in George has launched an Older Persons Forum for George.
The forum will be the platform for open discussions of issues pertaining to older people. Older people will have the opportunity to speak in a united voice, will be able to lobby and advocate all tiers of government for change and therefore make a difference to their daily lives.
Johanna Joshua, representing the Western Cape Older Persons Forum and the guest speaker at the launch, emphasised the objectives of the forum:
- To provide a platform from which older persons and stakeholders can make their voices heard in order to coordinate, mobilise and represent the collective voice of older persons in the district, especially those on grassroots level
- To promote the exchange of information and experience among the members of the forum
- To promote and ensure just and equitable access to services for older persons
- To eradicate disparities, inequalities or unfair discrimination against older persons
- To promote cooperation among government entities, the private sector, NGOs and civil society in developing programmes aimed at benefiting older persons
- To promote and ensure equity and fairness in the treatment of all older persons irrespective of colour, race, ethnicity, social origin, language, gender, religion and culture
- To promote and encourage cooperation between the forum and other forums and organisations as well as individuals interested in similar aims and objectives
The forum will meet on a quarterly basis. Any person or organisation interested in joining the forum can contact Reginald Naik at Department of Social Development on 044 801 4300.
The committee that was elected at the meeting are, back from left: Chris Erasmus (Rosemoore Service Centre), Juanita van Wyk (George Service Clubs), Myra April (Pacaltsdorp Service Centre), Johanna Joshua (Western Cape Older Persons Forum), Brenda Avontuur (Golden Oldies Uniondale), Lesley Ruiters (Golden Oldies George), Elizabeth Stuurman (Young at Hearts Touwsranten) and Reginald Naik (Department of Social Development). Front: Amanda Mntengwane (Winnie Madikizela Service Centre), Elsie Sboto.
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