Statement

The ANC Veterans League (ANCVL) is delighted that both Houses of Parliament have passed the Older Persons Amendment Bill and calls on the President to assent to it so that it can be implemented speedily.

The Bill, which aims to amend the Older Persons Act, 2006, seeks to enhance the protection of older persons from abuse and better regulate bodies, such as care facilities, responsible for their well-being.

Parliament made several amendments to the Bill based on comments submitted by the ANC Veterans League. These included clarifying the jurisdiction of the legislation and protecting older persons from being abused by children who want to inherit from them.  For example, it has been clarified that only a magistrate can grant an order protecting an elder person.

Several institutional, coordination, and compliance measures have been strengthened, and certainty has been provided regarding inter-governmental coordination and inter-sectoral collaboration, for example between the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Development

The challenge now is meaningful implementation. The Veterans League will continue to campaign for the rights of elderly people to be respected and for the law to be used to protect these rights.

Ends

For comment contact
Cde Snuki Zikalala,
ANC VL President
Tel: 082 561 3900