By Libuseng Nyaka
QWA QWA – Some elderly people are hesitant to join forums in their villages where they share their common challenges as elderly and bring them to government’s attention but prefer to participate in community groups that offer them incentives, the chairperson of a 64-member old person’s forum Moses Sibi has said.
“Men are few in our groups because they want to participate where they know in return they would get a form of reward such money or beer. Their contribution is also needed here,” Sibi said.
In an interview with Public Eye during celebrations to mark the International Day for the Elderly held at Basotho Cultural Village here Mapuleng Molakeng acknowledged efforts made by government through its Social Department, by organising the commemoration of this day.
“We are very happy with what the government has done to enable us to assemble here in order to celebrate our day. It is very important to us and shows that they respect and acknowledge our presence in the community. It also shows that they know where they come from and as a result they will be able to know where they are going,” Molakeng said.
He said it encouraged other elderly people to join such groups because they will be able to share and educate youth about their culture. “We want to make sure that our people are not shy to speak their language. Our native languages must be respected and cherished and be
spoken properly like people take effort to speak English,” Molakeng emphasised. Mabatho Lebesa who directed proceedings also applauded the municipality of Maluti A Phofung for having contributed to the success of this day.
“We do not only share problems here. It also acts as a platform where we are able to unwind and refresh ourselves as well as share our knowledge for the betterment of our culture,” Lebesa said.
MAP representative and organiser, Tinie Ngubeni said the celebration was in line with the international call for celebration of elderly persons.