Picture: The Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities, Mase Manopole

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

21 June 2026 – The Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities, Mase Manopole led the successful commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) at the Maruping village, near Kuruman. Manopole said World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed annually to raise awareness of the abu se and neglect experienced by older persons and to encourage collective action to safeguard their dignity, safety and wellbeing.

She further said this year’s commemoration reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring that older persons live free from violence, exploitation and discrimination. Manopole added that the event brought together 300 older persons from Maruping village and surrounding communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, promote the rights of older persons, and strengthen community efforts to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation.

“The government is committed to protect the rights of older persons as enshrined in the Older Persons Act and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. So, we would like to emphasise that older persons are the custodians of the province’s history, culture and values and deserve to age with dignity, safety and peace of mind.

“We call on families, communities and institutions to work together to end elder abuse, stressing that abuse against older persons is a violation of human rights and that every citizen has a responsibility to protect senior citizens,” said Manopole.

She said Maruping village was selected to host this year’s commemoration in recognition of the socio-economic challenges faced by many rural communities, where poverty, unemployment, substance abuse and domestic violence often increase the vulnerability of older persons. Manopole said the programme also highlighted the growing concern of financial exploitation, particularly where older persons’ social grants become the primary source of household income.

“Throughout the programme, older persons and community members received information on recognising and reporting the various forms of elder abuse, including financial, emotional, physical and psychological abuse, as well as the support services available to victims.

“Representatives from SAPS, SASSA and the Northern Cape Older Persons Forum addressed participants on their respective roles in protecting older persons, improving access to justice, strengthening social protection and promoting the wellbeing of senior citizens,” she said.

Addressing those in attendance, Mma Agnes Hantise of the Northern Cape Older Persons Forum encouraged older persons to maintain active lifestyles, participate in recreational programmes and embrace active ageing.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) urged older persons to report all forms of abuse, whether experienced or witnessed, while the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) highlighted the measures available to protect older persons from the misuse of their social grants by family members or other individuals.

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