Go Turquoise for the Elderly Campaign

In the endeavor to demonstrate and recognize the elderly, Northern Cape MEC for Health, Fufe Makatong visited 10 households in Greenpoint area, as part of awareness to protect the rights of elderly. The ‘Go Turquoise for the Elderly Campaign’ ran from 15th May 2018 (International Family Day) to 15 June 2018 (World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day). During the household visits, the ten elderly were showered with gifts from the MEC. The gesture was to thank them for their continued role as caregivers to orphans and children who in their absence would be loitering on the streets. In line with the Older Persons Act, Act 13 of 2006, communities must shoulder the biggest responsibility for the wellness of the elderly in Society. Demonstrating her support for the campaign, MEC Makatong encouraged members of the public to wear a turquoise awareness ribbon or turquoise clothing.

“As the province we can show that we care about and notice the elderly, and that we want to support older people towards a good quality of life in which they are treated with respect and dignity; like anyone else, older people also want to live in peace, safety and health as far as possible.” MEC Makatong said. Among others, the campaign also gives special attention and recognition to the nursing staff and caregivers who attend to thousands of elderly people and afford them the necessary care.

The Northern Cape Province remains with the smallest share of about 1.21 million people (2.1%). According to the Statistics SA report of 2016, about 29.6% of the population is aged younger than 15 years and approximately 4.60 million (8.1%) is 60 years or older. Unfortunately, older people are often seen as soft targets for crime, abuse, exploitation, rape and neglect.

Source: Northern Cape Dept of health comm