The DA in Limpopo will write to the Limpopo Legislature Social Development Portfolio Committee Chairperson to request MEC Florence Radzilani’s appearance before the Committee to provide a progress report on moving people out of Vuthlari Old Age and Disability Centre and other interventions taken in addressing this crisis.
The Centre has recently been exposed for the horrid conditions that older persons and people living with disabilities were subjected to. During her oversight visit Radzilani emphasised the government’s responsibility to rescue people who are put under deplorable conditions and to protect their human rights.
With the MEC now fully aware of the state of events at the Centre, she must provide an update to the portfolio committee on steps already taken and planned interventions to address this crisis. The DA would have expected her to immediately action the remedial options provided for in the Older Persons Act, Act 13 of 2006.
The objects of the Act include maintaining and promoting the status, wellbeing, safety and security of older persons with a view to maintain and protect the rights of older persons to ultimately combat the abuse of older persons.
This implies a certain element of urgency, something that the MEC ought to be aware of considering the fact that Public Hearings into the Older Person’s Amendment Bill start tomorrow in the province.
The new proposed insertion of Section 24A and 25B states that the government must remove older persons in need of care and protection without delay and can do so without a court order and, where necessary, enlist the assistance of the police to affect such closure. The horrific situation at Vuthlari Old Age and Disability Centre is exactly why the legislation must be amended.
As we celebrate Social Development month in October and celebrated International Day for Older persons on 1 October, it is a shame that older persons in the province are still subjected to such inhumane and undignified conditions.
While MEC Radzilani’s tour to old age homes after the revelations of poor conditions at Vuthlari is welcome, it is too little too late and signifies years of negligence with no oversight or monitoring for compliance at old age facilities by the ANC led provincial government.
The DA is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and will continue to monitor this issue.