Department of Social Development - The National Department of Social Development prioritises the protection of the lives and wellbeing of older persons during the national state of disaster...

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Media Statement

Pretoria, 01 October 2020: As South Africa joins the citizens of the world to commemorate the International Day for Older Persons, the Minister of Social Development - Ms Lindiwe Zulu, calls on all South Africans to prioritise the protection and wellbeing of the country’s older persons, especially during this time when the world is tackling the wrath and impact of COVID-19.

The day is commemorated each year on 01 October and this year, it is observed under the theme; “Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing.”

“COVID-19 has not only impacted hugely and negatively on the health of older persons, but equally on their rights and wellbeing.

It is on this day that the world reflects and raises awareness on the needs of older persons,” said Minister Zulu on the day which on its 30th anniversary, is also being commemorated during Social Development month.

“Globally, statistics have shown that older persons have been the most affected by the coronavirus, with South Africa being one of the countries that has registered a considerable number of infections, recoveries and deaths of older persons,” said Minister Zulu.

As of 30 September 2020, South Africa had recorded 24 995 admissions, 1 7048 recoveries and 7 947 deaths of older persons according to the statistics from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).

Although South Africa is now on Alert Level 1 of the National State of Disaster, the protection of older persons remains a priority. The Department continues to ensure that measures are in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst this vulnerable group.

The intention is to reduce COVID-19 infections and curb the spread of the virus and related outbreaks across Residential Facilities for Older Persons.

To this end, the National DSD has solicited a number of critical partnerships for support and intervention. These key partnerships, amongst others, include the Department of Health, NICD, Right to Care, NICDAM, FNB/RMB, SPIER and CHAPS.

The partnerships with the Department of Social Development have yielded positive results to the benefit of older persons within residential facilities. Some of the benefits include the following:

Decontamination of facilities;

Screening, testing, contact tracing and quarantining of residents and staff working
in facilities;

A total number of 199 nurses, in all nine provinces, receiving training on COVID-19
screening and testing;

Flu vaccination and the surveillance of residential facilities supported by the NICD;

On-the-job training of management and staff members (up to the level of cleaners and
gardeners) across Residential Facilities on health and safety issues including COVID-19, regulations and related protocols;

Awareness raising on Coronavirus for older persons including its implications for them;

Procurement of PPEs for Residential Facilities;

Considerations for the provision of sewing equipment to facilities and/or groups of
older persons in communities to produce masks for beneficiaries to sell to members of the community;

Distribution of food parcels including hygienic packs, carebags to destitute older
persons in communities.

The partnerships have also supported older persons who have been beneficiaries of services and programmes of Community Based Care and Support Service Centres (CBCSSCs) which are currently closed as a result of COVID-19.

Measures are in place to re-open and support these Community Based Care and Support Service Centres under strict compliance measures to allow older persons to resume with their activities.

The Department of Social Development appreciates the various partnerships, support and all cooperation from various Government Departments, other key stakeholders and other social partners who are playing their part to control the further spread of this global pandemic, specifically targeting older persons

Beyond its immediate health impact, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused untold fear and suffering for older persons in South Africa - putting them at a greater risk of poverty, discrimination and isolation.

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.