MOCHUDI, Gaborone (Botswana Press Agency), September 20, 2007:

Ten years after introduction of old age pension scheme, Botswana, like other UN member states, will commemorate for the first time the National Day of the Elderly.

The commemoration has been slated for Oodi in the Kgatleng district on November 1 under the theme "Addressing Challenges and Opportunities of Aging."

The day supposed to be held on October 1 is to be observed a month later as this day was a public holiday in Botswana.

The Director of Social Services, Ms Tshenolo Omphitlhetse, told a meeting of the Kgatleng District Council that she regretted that the district leadership was not initially consulted when a decision for Kgatleng to host the commemoration was taken. The elderly must be accorded all the services they need.

She said her department would benchmark from South Africa where the day was commemorated for some years. Unlike Botswana, she said, countries such as South Africa had policies for senior citizens.

She said the commemorations would help bridge the gap between the young and old to help appreciate and learn from each other. Cllr Tona Mooketsi of Mosanta South suggested that tokens of appreciation must be given to appreciate the elderly.

Cllr Tirafalo Kwapa of Morwa said the commemoration said other countries have homes where the older people stay as a form of appreciation.

Mr Jerry Rasetshwane, a nominated councillor, said the day would revive a culture of respect for elderly. Mr Rasetshwane added that it seems there was conflict of interest as at times what other members of the community wanted was not appreciated by the elderly.

Council Chairperson, Rev. Mpho Moruakgomo, said he sometime despaired at the way the elderly were treated and cared for at work and other community activities.

Rev. Moruakgomo said Batswana had to regard senior citizens as fountains of wisdom, saying the likes of former president, Sir Ketumile Masire, worked hard during difficult times to develop the country and he was still assisting to restore peace in other African countries.

Botswana Press Agency (BOPA)
© 2006 The Government of Botswana