The department of Social Development in the North West condemns the exaggerated fake news doing rounds on social media platforms that it left older persons from Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district stranded at Mahikeng civic centre on Wednesday night.
The department acknowledges that there was a delay on the part of the service provider in processing the accommodation for older persons who are participating in the provincial golden games scheduled to take place at Mmabatho stadium.
Throughout the delay, the department did ensure maximum safety and care for the elderly. The elders were provided with food and refreshments while they were constantly updated on the developments related to the accommodation at stake.
“As the custodian of Older Persons Act, we will never cause harm to older persons. It is our legislative mandate to advocate and champion the interest and wellbeing of all older persons and all those vulnerable in the society,” Social Development MEC Basetsana Sussana Dantjie told participants at the opening of the provincial golden games at Mmabatho Stadium.
Dantjie said her executive management will investigate the matter and compile a comprehensive report on all the processes that were followed by the organising committee. She said her department advocates for zero tolerance when it comes to the plight of our older persons.
ENDS.
Issued by North West Department of Social Development
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