Older Persons Forum for George

GEORGE NEWS - Older people will be able to benefit from the establishment of the Older Persons Forum for George, an umbrella organisation meant to act as a platform for open discussions of issues pertaining to older persons.

Reginald Naik, supervisor of the Older Persons Programme, said the forum was initiated by the Western Cape Department of Social Development and is expected to be joined by most of the local old age homes and service centres.

There are similar forums in other towns.

The forum is expected to make a difference to the daily lives of the elderly by giving them the opportunity to speak in a united voice, to lobby and advocate all tiers of government for change.

According to a statement by the organisers, the guest speaker at the George launch, Elsabe Kelder, who is chairperson of the WCOPF, 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 co-operation among government entities, private sector, NGOs and civil society in developing programmes aimed at benefitting 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 quarterly. Any person or organisation interested in joining the forum can contact Naik at the Department of Social Development on 044 814 1920.

From left are chairperson of the Western Cape OPF Elsabe Kelder, who was the guest speaker; with George OPF members, chairperson Charmain Titus, vice-chairperson Susan Kruger, secretary Saria van As, treasurer Pamela van Wyk, service centre representative Amanda Mntengwane, and representative of residential facilities Alani Voigt.