20 September 2021
Media Advisory
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mrs Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, will on Tuesday, September 21, commemorate World Alzheimer’s Day in Cacadu, Eastern Cape Province. The commemoration seeks to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on the lives and wellbeing of families, especially, older persons who are often killed by their fellow community members due to a lack of understanding about the disease. Older persons are often accused of witchcraft and killed.
Viewed as the most common cause of Dementia, Alzheimer’s is a physical disease which directly affects the brain, leading to the eventual death of nerve cells and loss of brain tissue.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), defines dementia as a chronic illness that arises from an interplay of genetic, environmental and behavioural factors, with severe adverse influences on social and physical activities and quality of life. Dementia is deemed to be one of the major causes of disability among older persons.
The Eastern Cape Province has seen an increase in the number of older persons who were brutally killed after being accused of witchcraft. Cacadu, Cofimvaba and Engcobo police stations have seen a greater number of cases of brutal killings of older persons and according to the South African Police Service (SAPS), many cases are in the Chris Hani District Municipality.
Recent community dialogues held in the areas revealed that older persons with Alzheimer’s from around Chris Hani District have resorted to abandoning the villages, some sleep in groups so they may feel safe and protected.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover World Alzheimer’s Day scheduled as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 21 September 2021
Time: 11h00
Venue: Lady Frere Town Hall, Cacadu in Eastern Cape Province
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZTegX1fU-k
Facebook: https://facebook.com/4297853673629824
PROGRAMME 2
Date: Tuesday, 21 September 2021
Time: 17h00
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqalrUAVXj8
Facebook: https://facebook.com/4297877573627434
Members of the media can RSVP by contacting Ms Makhosazana Mavuso on 072 732 9381 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Ms Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane on 066 480 6845 / e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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.
