09 Nov 2023

The theme for this year’s International Day of the Elderly Persons; Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations puts a spotlight on the importance of older persons around the world, the need to safeguard the enjoyment of their rights and address violation of the same rights. 

“Further, it talks of strengthening solidarity through equity and trade-off between generations, offering meaningful solutions on the provisions of the Sustainable Development Goals,’’ Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Mabuse Pule said.

Mr Pule said demographic evidence indicated that the global population was getting older and Botswana was no exception. 

He said older persons were invaluable sources of wisdom, knowledge and experience and had much to contribute towards peace, sustainable development and climate protection. 

“We must promote lifelong learning, quality healthcare, and digital inclusion as well as foster intergenerational dialogue and unity. Together we can build a more inclusive and age-friendly and a more resilient world for all,” he said. 

He challenged all to introspect as to whether they had fully incorporated the principles of independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment and dignity in their programming for the elderly. 

Mr Pule, who is also Member of Parliament for Mochudi East, said the day aimed to raise awareness on the impact of an aging population and the need to ensure people could grow old with dignity and to elevate consciousness about things affecting the aged. 

He further admitted that for a long time, the country had no policy that covered older people’s concerns in a coherent and comprehensive manner, which situation had undermined efforts to promote healthy and active ageing. 

He was however pleased to note that government had introduced some programmes meant to assist the elderly by providing welfare services to citizens. 

He said the ministry continued  to improve access to social services and social safety nets to cushion the elderly from the effects of poverty and other economic shocks such as the Old Age Pension and World War II Veterans Cash Transfer, among others. He said it was his ministry’s mandate to ensure sufficient allocation of resources for the implementation of initiatives aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of senior citizens and these they do with pride. 

“My government introduced universal old age pension for citizens who are aged 65 and above in 1996. Currently old age pension stands at P730 per month and government is supporting 138 898 elderly persons under the programme,’’he said. 

He said for World War II veterans monthly allowance currently stood at P750, adding that these allowances would accordingly be subjected to normal review processes, funds permitting. 

He appealed to the elderly to take care of themselves, especially healthwise. 

The Assistant Minister gifted the elderly with presents. Ms Boineelo Mathuba, representing the pensioners, said they were delighted to be recognised by government. 

She, however, said the elderly  had challenges at their families, which needed to be addressed by councillors. “Re nna kwa malwapeng re le nosi go sena ba re buabuang le bone, le ba ba re gakololang, ka jalo go oketsa bohutsana le makowa a rona. Re kopa gore lekgotla la kabo ditsha le re abele ditsha kwa re tlaa agelwang mafelo a itloso bodutu kware tla kopanang teng re le bagolo re gakololana, re tsaya dikgang, re ntshana bodutu,” Ms Mathuba requested. 

Ms Mathuba also advised fellow elders to exercise regularly, emphasising that even strolling in the yard was enough for the body. 

She also advised them to save some money from their allowances. 

Earlier, Kgosi Tshipe Tshipe of Mahalapye, who is also the vice chairperson of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, said elders needed protection and peace. He said public servants should be patient when dealing with elderly people. 

He also said government should introduce medical scheme for them and that doctors should do housecalls for the elderly. 

International Day of the Elderly Persons is celebrated annually to recognise the contributions of older persons and to discuss issues that affect their lives. 

The commemoration provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution, wisdom, dignity and needs of the senior citizens and rededicate their efforts to ensuring their wellbeing. This year’s celebration was held at Mahalapye kgotla on November 8. ends