Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
(1) notes that the Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, has visibly put the needs of the elderly as a priority on his ministerial agenda, by visiting almost all of the provinces during the public hearings on the elderly, held from May to August this year;
(2) further notes that the hearings gave older people from most districts an opportunity to add their voices to the growing public outcry against the ill-treatment and abuse of older persons by, amongst others, their children and grandchildren, supposed care-givers, Government officials and others who are supposed to look after their interests;
(3) also notes that hundreds of older people in provinces such as Mpumalanga, through the participation of leaders like King Mayisha, helped focus Government's attention on the plight of older people by reminding everyone that old age was a blessing, especially in these days of the HIV/Aids pandemic which has drastically affected the life-span of communities; and
(4) supports and encourages the Minister of Social Development in his efforts to empower women, the elderly, children and the disabled to know their constitutional rights and to address their plight in respect of social security and grants.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.