SA needs wisdom of elders - Zuma
2012-09-30 21:53
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Zuma
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Johannesburg - Older people possess the experience and the wisdom that South Africa needs, President Jacob Zuma said on Sunday.
"We urge older persons to join us in teaching our young
people what it means to be good citizens, who are guided by the
understanding of respect and ubuntu," he said.
"You spend a lot of time with grandchildren, and can
contribute to inculcating these positive values at an early age, so that
we can build a better society."
Zuma was speaking at the celebration of International
Day of Older Persons at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria and
said the day is an opportunity to celebrate senior citizens and to
highlight their concerns.
The United Nations designated 1 October 1 as International Day of Older Persons.
Zuma added that the police have been instructed to
ensure that the needs of elderly people and other people with special
needs are taken into account when they have a problem.
He said women of 94 being raped, was not acceptable.
"Anyone who rapes senior citizens is not worth being called a human being."
The role of a grandmother was an important one as many grandmothers looked after children whose parents died, Zuma said.
He said that government extended the reach of the old age pension grant allowing men to obtain the grant at the age of 60 years.
"We trust that this has contributed a great to alleviating need and poverty amongst older men," he said.
"Older persons also qualify for free access to
essential services such as water, health, housing, and energy. We trust
that most of you know these services and access them."
Zuma also thanked the older generation for their contribution they make to society and their families.
- SAPA
