Most younger people, don't spend too much time thinking of those who are older than us. The state must spend its money where it is most needed - young people and senior citizens - both groups in society that are very close to my heart.
The millionaires will look after themselves.
But the youth and the elderly, must get more attention from the state. There needs to be a more clearly defined and specialized public purse for older people.
We have done away with the apartheid pensions where different race groups got different amounts, but it is still not enough. I am not paying lip service, my dad is a pensioner and he goes to a state hospital and he also always tells me that the pension he receives is not enough.
But older people are not in the habit of waiting for handouts - lots of our senior citizens manage to spread their pension to help their children or grand children. However, I do believe it is our responsibility to look after our parents as far as is possible.
I also want to touch on the golden games and ask if any of you here today, attended? Because it is a good way of getting in touch with your peers and making friends. We are entering the festive season and it is never a good time to be lonely, but the festive season is the worst, so I appeal to you to reach out to your family and vice-versa.
I also want government to look into possibly subsidising a train on pension day, designated to carry pensioners to and from pension payouts. I do not want to make a promise I cannot keep, but I will speak to the Minister of transport about this and see what the state can do.
We must work with COSATU to take care of you. They have traditionally arranged a pension day train, but their funds are drying up, so I would like to see if government is able to assist.
I am also concerned about healthcare for the aged and when I speak to the Mayor next week, I want to ask her to join me in finding a way to make public transport more accessible for the elderly.
We must work together to make the Western Cape work for all our people.
Thank you for this morning, thank you for your lovely welcome!
Enquiries:
An WentzelMedia Liaison Officer
Office of the Premier
Tel: 021 483 2536
Cell: 072 3366 385
Email: awentzel@pgwc.gov.za
