28 Nov 2022

 The elderly are facing challenges such as ill-health, memory loss, poor vision and boredom, says Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe.

Speaking on the occasion of International Day for the Elderly commemoration in Letlhakane on Saturday, Mr Lelatisitswe said the elderly were fighting to deal and cope with the challenges.

He noted that the day was not celebrated for the past two years due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and that the disease also claimed the lives of the elderly.

Mr Lelatisitswe, who is also Boteti East MP,  said the day’s theme: Go itsetsepela ga bagodi mo metlheng ya diphetogo, fitted well with the occasion because they had to navigate the ever changing world.

A Letlhakane resident, Ms Gomontemang Maphane, 83, said some of her peers faced gender based violence and were disrespected by partners and society. 

In some cases, even their own children violated their rights, she said.

Superintendent Michael Maphephu of Letlhakane Police Station, appealed to the elders to report any wrongdoing by their children.

 He said police were aware that some children dispossed their elderly parents of money and property.They were also advised to  report such matters to  traditional leaders if they found them more helpful..

The elderly came in large numbers for the event. ENDS