via Government neglecting the elderly | SW Radio Africa. 19 June 2014 by Mthulisi Mathuthu
Former minister of social welfare, Paurina Mpariwa, has accused the government of neglecting the elderly, saying it has yet to implement the provisions of the Older Persons Act two years after it was signed into law.
Mpariwa said this after dozens of elderly people commemorated the UN Elder Persons Day with a protest march through the streets of Harare on Wednesday. The protesters demanded protection from all forms of abuse, including physical and psychological harassment and social neglect.
Among other things, the protesters called on the government to set up a fund to cater for the elderly since most of their pensions and savings have been wiped away due to the economic meltdown in the country. Most of the protesters, including those who were gainfully employed during their productive years, said they were unable to look after themselves as their children are also unemployed.
In an interview with SW Radio Africa, Mpariwa agreed with the protesters saying most elderly people were homeless and those who had accommodation were unable to pay their utility bills. Mpariwa said those who were receiving assistance from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) were getting very little had to travel long and costly distances to get their dues. They are also often looking after the grandchildren who are AIDS orphans, with no additional assistance.
The MDC-T shadow minister for social security accused the government of making things worse by not making funds available. She said as minister of social welfare she introduced the Older Persons Bill in parliament but up to this date its provisions have not been implemented and the last budget omitted any mention of the elderly people.
She added: ‘The Act says there should be a fund and a board to look into the needs of the elderly people and that there should be decentralization of the management of the fund to allow easy disbursement of benefits. My ministry did its best but up to this date there has not been any allocation from the treasury. Not even a cent.’
According to the Constitution the government has an obligation to look after vulnerable people, including the elderly, but this is not happening with officials from the social services ministry telling parliament this year that there was no money.
COMMENTS
Well done Paurina for highlighting the plight of the elderly regardless of their race or in whatever region they live in they are very neglected.
Would think the Geriatic Bufoon at the age of 90 would think of the elderly and try to make life easy for them. All he cares is about himself
and as usual the normal dribble – no money but he has money to fly here and there
Another way to court God’s displeasure. Carry on ZPF You are bringing judgment upon your own heads
The geriatic does not give a stuff because he is living in comfort but uses the poor to do his dirty work
Respect your elders and your days will be longer and this starts by implementing laws that support them
For those who glibly say all is well in Zimbabwe I say,a nation is judged by the manner in which they treat their elderly and this demonstration is further proof that things are bad. Most of the cabinet fall into this category themselves but do they care? No they don’t, because they live the good life!
Where have you been living madam,,, the govt has neglected everybody not only the elderly,,, each age group is crying foul,,, mass steeet action must be called for including all age groups because ad you can see we are all victims of mugabes misrule
da gvnt shld put its house in order and look after these elders .after all their days are numbered .
ELDERS SHOULD HAVE BENEFIT FUND