Elderly Abuse Program
Thabo Motlhabi
The Mogale City Department of Social Development organized an Elder Abuse Program on Friday 24, 2025 in partnership with various stakeholders. The event was hosted at Hekpoot Community Hall.
Stakeholders involved:
* Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
* Government Communications and Information Systems
* Hekpoot SAPS
* Hekpoort Elderly Forum
October is recognised as Elderly Persons Month, a time to celebrate older people, acknowledge their contributions, and share in their wisdom and love.
The main objective of the campaign was to celebrate the lives of the elderly people in Hekpoort while raising awareness about the various forms of abuse they face, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Many elderly individuals continue to be breadwinners, supporting their children and siblings through their social grants. This situation often leads to emotional and mental distress, as some experience exploitation and mistreatment from family members.
The programme aimed to educate, inform, and empower older persons about the different types of abuse and the available channels to seek help and report such incidents.
Speaking at the event, Mr Sibusiso Baloyi, a social worker from Mogale City local municipality, said, “Today’s programme was about celebrating our elderly people and encouraging them to speak openly about the abuse they face at home. The information shared today has opened their eyes from now on. They know where to go and report such issues.”
The workshop also provided a platform for the elderly to connect, engage, and share their experiences, challenges, and coping strategies. It was a day filled with fun, joy and also reflection and healing, and celebration of their invaluable wisdom and life experience.
Miss Nellie Moeng, as a member of the Hekpoort Elderly Forum, encouraged participants to join in the forum.
“I would like to encourage each one of you to come join our elderly forum. As older persons, we connect, engage, and share ideas, exercise, and, most importantly, organise awareness campaigns such as health talks and trips to enjoy our social grants. Through the journey, we build new friendships and learn how to overcome problems at home. Today, I stand as a living testimony of the forum, and I’m stress-free due to that forum joining other elderly people. We learn new skills of sewing and sell all types of designs.
The campaign served as an important reminder of the need to protect, respect, and uplift older persons within the community. It also fostered stronger relationships between the elderly, community leaders, and professionals who can provide ongoing support and guidance.