Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza
THE Government is always ready to extend safety net programmes to all vulnerable citizens across the country, as part of its efforts to cushion them from economic shocks, a Cabinet Minister has said.
Speaking at Ntunungwe Village in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, where he joined scores of villagers in celebrating the life of 122-year-old Mr Anuloisa Banda on Friday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Edgar Moyo, directed social workers to visit remote areas and register all vulnerable individuals eligible for Government support under its safety net programmes.
He said this was essential, to ensuring those in need live dignified lives while easing the burden on families and communities.
Government safety nets include food and nutrition programmes, cash transfers, free healthcare and free education, among other essential services.
“We came to know about Mr Banda and the challenges his family was facing — such as the inability to secure funeral cover for him — through the Press. Social workers have a duty to reach every corner of the country, including the most remote areas and identify vulnerable citizens, who must be assisted by Government through its safety net programmes.
“The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, through the Department of Social Development, continues to work towards uplifting the welfare of older persons — not only in registered institutions but also within communities — through the implementation of social protection programmes.
“These include monthly maintenance allowances, health assistance, and the food deficit mitigation strategy, among others. My ministry, together with various ministries and stakeholders, continues to work towards establishing and improving the welfare of older persons in the country,” said Minister Moyo.
Mr Banda, arguably the oldest person in the world if his age is authenticated, came into the spotlight after Zimpapers published an article highlighting his family’s struggle to secure funeral cover. Four funeral policy providers had declined to cover him, citing his advanced age as a business risk.
Harare-based company Zororo/Phumulani has since stepped in to offer Mr Banda free funeral cover.
Minister Moyo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of elderly citizens.
“The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare will not hesitate to provide support to vulnerable older persons when the need arises. The ministry will continue advocating for the equal treatment of older persons to ensure they receive preferential and respectful services. No one should be denied services based on age, as this constitutes discrimination, which goes against the values upheld by my ministry,” said Minister Moyo.
However, he expressed concern over families, who place elderly relatives in Old People’s Homes despite having the financial means to care for them at home.
Matabeleland South Provincial Social Welfare Officer, Mr Criswell Nyakudya, said that for families unable to care for elderly relatives, an Old People’s Home is available in Gwanda.
“We have realised that many people are unaware that the provincial social welfare department offers a range of services for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, such as an Old People’s Home in Gwanda.
“The department has recorded Mr Banda’s details, and going forward, he will receive free healthcare services and a monthly cash allowance. Our office in Plumtree will also conduct monthly visits to check on him, as we do with all beneficiaries receiving support from the Department of Social Welfare,” said Mr Nyakudya.
