MEC Oversight Visit: New Frail Care facility opened at Kensington Old Age Home | Western Cape Government

News

MEC Oversight Visit: New Frail Care facility opened at Kensington Old Age Home

16 November 2016

Today, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz, conducted an oversight visit to the Kensington Old Age Home. The visit coincided with the launch of a new frail care facility.

Minister Fritz was joined by local businessman, Dr. Hassen Adams, and a representative from the Grandwest Casino CSI, Ms. Heidi Edison, who were the generous sponsors of the facility.

In his address to the residents of the facility, Minister Fritz condemned all forms of neglect and abuse of older persons. Some of the most common forms of abuse older persons endure is being targeted by criminals, or financial exploitation by relatives. “Sadly, the elderly are seen as soft-targets, and are targeted because crooks know you can’t physically fight back”, said Fritz.

Through the Older Persons Programme, the Department of Social Development (DSD) has set aside R198-million to fight against all forms of abuse. The Department funds a dedicated network of 450 NGOs specializing in services to older persons.

Minister Fritz cautioned the elderly to be vigilant when they access their pensions and social grants, and to report any abuse to the department.

DSD would like to congratulate the Kensington OAH for the hard work it has put in to drastically improve its administration and physical infrastructure. “We continue to call on the NGO sector to improve and tighten up their administration, especially if they seek to attract funding and sponsorships from the private sector” said MEC Fritz, “if we are to do more with less, we must cut maladministration, inefficiency and corruption”. In this regard, we thank Dr. Adams and Grandwest Casino CSI for their investment into the communities of the Western Cape.

Media Enquiries: 

Sihle Ngobese

Spokesperson for Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development

Western Cape Government

7th floor, 14 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town, 8000

Tel : (021) 483 9217

Cell :  076 083 6543

Email : Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za