News / Local
Govt should provide adequate funds to take care of the elderly - Mathema
09 Jun 2012 at 04:00hrs | Views
Bulawayo Governor Cain Mathema said yesterday said FINANCE Minister Tendai Biti must provide adequate funding to the social
services sector to take care of the elderly and other less privileged
members of society.
Speaking during the handover of food hampers and cash donations to representatives of 13 orphanages and old people's homes at the Mhlanhlandlela Government Complex, Governor Mathema said it was the Government 's responsibility to take care of its senior citizens and provide support for the less privileged.
The food was bought using the money that was raised at the Governor's Ball on the eve of this year's Independence Day celebrations.
"It is disappointing to see the elderly people suffering in our communities as if we are saying they should die quickly. We are what we are because of the role played by our elderly. We should not forget them," said Governor Mathema.
"As the Government we should provide adequate funds to take care of the elderly so that they enjoy their last days. The Ministry of Finance must avail enough funding for such social services. There should be enough money for the less privileged children and the disabled.
"We should show love to these less privileged members of our communities," said Cde Mathema.
He said he was aware of the effects of sanctions on the economy but said despite this it was important to make provisions of the less privileged.
The 13 organisations shared 3 930kg of mealie meal, 444 litres of cooking oil, 395kg of sugar beans, 420kg of sugar and $2 000 cash donation.
The beneficiaries were Entembeni Old People's Home, Rhodes Jubilee, Ekuphumuleni, St Gabriels, Thembiso, Percy Ibbotson, John Slaven, John Smale, and Luveve Training College for Girls, Emthunzini Wethemba, Sir Humphery, Queen Elizabeth and St Francis.
In separate interviews the representatives of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Governor Mathema.
The matron of Entembeni Old People's Home, Mrs Catherine Chiponda said: "We are very grateful for the assistance we have received. We applaud the Bulawayo community, our Governor Cde Mathema and his organising committee."
Percy Ibbotson head Mr Roy Ndlovu also commended the Governor's office and the Bulawayo community.
"This is a big donation coming at a time when social organisations are facing economic challenges. We are finding it difficult to buy food and cover other expenses. We thank the Bulawayo community and appeal to the Government to assist us to be self sufficient," said Mr Ndlovu.
Speaking at the same occasion the chairperson of the fundraising committee, Dr Ben Moyo said this year's Governor's ball was a resounding success as it received overwhelming support from stakeholders.
About $15 000 was raised.
Dr Moyo said it was important to identify self help projects that would assist the needy instead of the once off donations.
Speaking during the handover of food hampers and cash donations to representatives of 13 orphanages and old people's homes at the Mhlanhlandlela Government Complex, Governor Mathema said it was the Government 's responsibility to take care of its senior citizens and provide support for the less privileged.
The food was bought using the money that was raised at the Governor's Ball on the eve of this year's Independence Day celebrations.
"It is disappointing to see the elderly people suffering in our communities as if we are saying they should die quickly. We are what we are because of the role played by our elderly. We should not forget them," said Governor Mathema.
"As the Government we should provide adequate funds to take care of the elderly so that they enjoy their last days. The Ministry of Finance must avail enough funding for such social services. There should be enough money for the less privileged children and the disabled.
"We should show love to these less privileged members of our communities," said Cde Mathema.
He said he was aware of the effects of sanctions on the economy but said despite this it was important to make provisions of the less privileged.
The 13 organisations shared 3 930kg of mealie meal, 444 litres of cooking oil, 395kg of sugar beans, 420kg of sugar and $2 000 cash donation.
The beneficiaries were Entembeni Old People's Home, Rhodes Jubilee, Ekuphumuleni, St Gabriels, Thembiso, Percy Ibbotson, John Slaven, John Smale, and Luveve Training College for Girls, Emthunzini Wethemba, Sir Humphery, Queen Elizabeth and St Francis.
In separate interviews the representatives of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Governor Mathema.
The matron of Entembeni Old People's Home, Mrs Catherine Chiponda said: "We are very grateful for the assistance we have received. We applaud the Bulawayo community, our Governor Cde Mathema and his organising committee."
Percy Ibbotson head Mr Roy Ndlovu also commended the Governor's office and the Bulawayo community.
"This is a big donation coming at a time when social organisations are facing economic challenges. We are finding it difficult to buy food and cover other expenses. We thank the Bulawayo community and appeal to the Government to assist us to be self sufficient," said Mr Ndlovu.
Speaking at the same occasion the chairperson of the fundraising committee, Dr Ben Moyo said this year's Governor's ball was a resounding success as it received overwhelming support from stakeholders.
About $15 000 was raised.
Dr Moyo said it was important to identify self help projects that would assist the needy instead of the once off donations.
Source - TC
