Mpumalanga- North West retired Professor Marekwa Legotlo has been elected national chairperson of the South African Older Persons Forum (SAOPF) at a highly contested bi-annual election, Social Development MEC Fenny Gaolaolwe said at a four day National Golden Games held in Mpumalanga.

“Our province is pleased and humbled by the appointment of Professor Legotlo into this leadership. The elections were so tight with 18 nominees from all the nine provinces. Professor Legotlo made it to the top. We hope that by his wise leadership the forum will be able to articulate the needs and concerns of older persons,” Gaolaolwe said.

After receiving the accolades, Professor Legotlo said his contribution to the national forum would be using advocacy programmes to make people aware of the rights of older persons, and to ensure that their needs are addressed in accordance with relevant legislation, government services and older persons empowerment programmes.

“We will ensure that older persons have security, lead a healthy lifestyle, have decent houses and that they are represented right from ward level,” Professor Legotlo said, adding that the forum will leave no stone unturned in eradicating all forms of discrimination against older persons especially in public health facilities.

MEC Gaolaolwe is leading a team of 127 participants that is set to compete in various sporting codes at National Golden Games held at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga.
-TDN
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