The MEC for the Department of Social Development, Ms Nontobeko Vilakazi, visited schools in the Phokwane SubDistrict on Thursday, 25 January 2024, as part of the Northern Cape Provincial Executive Council's back-to-school campaign She oversaw the proceedings at Tlhwahalang Secondary School in Jan Kempdorp, as well as at Kgonoand Gaoshupe Makodi Primary School in Pampierstad. Mr Cindi, the Frances Baard Manager for SASSA, and other Departmental officials supported Ms Vilakazi in these visits. The primary purpose was to help disadvantaged learners who cannot afford school resources and to restore their dignity. In line with this mandate, the MEC distributed school uniforms worth R5 500 per learner, created by Women-led Cooperatives. Women in the communities were encouraged to mobilize themselves, as with the necessary passion and dedication they also can benefit from a partnership with the government. Mothers were encouraged to apply for uniforms so that their children do not feel out of place at school, with SASSA assisting, as it has done for the past 20+ years. Parents were urged to play an active role in ensuring their children access these benefits. The primary responsibility of a child is to learn,
and not worry about where their next meal or clothes would be coming from. Learners were also reminded to take their schooling seriously by respecting school rules, arriving on time, and showing respect to educators, similar to how they would respect their parents. MEC Vilakazi acknowledged the outstanding work of dedicated educators who persevere in fostering a nurturing environment for students to dream and reach for the stars, despite challenging circumstances and limitations. These visits by the Executive Council serve as a reminder that the government cares deeply about the education of its children. The Back-To-School Campaign aims to promote teaching and learning in schools by encouraging participation by the broader community and engaging with stakeholders regarding their roles in improving learning and teaching. The goal is to transform schools into centers of excellence.

The Northern Cape Department of Social Development joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day in Klein Mier, ZFM District, on the 06th July 2023, under the theme: “Seniors deserve our respect and our attention”.

The day is annually commemorated on 15th June, since 2006 when the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization. This day seeks to allow communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse older persons suffer. This is done through raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting them, this is primarily done, because, elderly abuse is one of the least investigated types of violence and does not get addressed in the national action plans as frequently as other key social issues.

The department was joined by different stakeholders in honoring the elderly, important amongst them was the SAPS, represented by Officer Van Wyk, the Captain of Mier, as he is affectionately known. In delivering a message of support alluded to the fact that it is seriously disturbing that grandparents would be protecting their grandchildren despite them being the ones who are the main perpetrators of elderly abuse. This even goes to the point of them not reporting the suffering they are subjected to by these young ones, in the name of love.

Ms Titus from the Women Against Crime said, they are working in partnership with the police in giving support to the elderly, and she further encouraged them to come forward and report these abusers.

The keynote address was given by Councilor Segede, the Executive Mayor of Dawid Kruiper Municipality, and he reminded the audience that; “In so many cultures, older persons are respected and their experiences, memories, and perspective on life are valued for the lessons that younger people can learn. If older people are not encouraged to pass along the skills and wisdom they have accumulated during their lives, then the culture as a whole suffers. We owe it to older generations to ensure that their so-called Golden Years are not tarnished by neglect”.

The matter reminds us to look out for each other. In our communities, it is so easy to see bad things and not say anything- whether that is senior abuse or a mugging on the street. The importance of the message reminds us how important it is to look after and look out for our older persons. It also reminds us to exercise compassion daily and care about others especially older persons than just ourselves. It is important to reflect on the elderly people before it is too late.
“Let’s respect our elder people and assure proper care and attention for them. We should take care of them as if they are our parent. We should see ourselves in them and remember that we too will be old one day”. He lamented
Key important objectives the mayor put out were;

• To minimize the harm to older persons and have interventions that support them
• To empower older persons to know their rights and exercise them to demand quality living conditions to a life of respect and dignity
• Older persons must be supported and feel supported by the government
• To educate the communities that Elder abuse is everyone’s business

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The purpose is to encourage older persons to join service centers in their areas where a range of various programs are been implemented to empower them. Also, to collaborate with other government departments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to make a difference in the lives of voiceless older people, and build a better future for them as they experience the privilege of growing older. We looking in establishing a Older Persons Service Centre in the area in future.