Africa-Press – Botswana. First Lady Neo Masisi said it was a shame that elders continued to be bullied.
Masisi condemned all forms of bullying and praised organizations like Tlotlo Lorato for continuing to carry out anti-bullying activities.
He was speaking after a rally organized by the Tlotlo Lorato Association at the Botshabelo court in Selebi Phikwe on Thursday.
The purpose of the march was to raise awareness about elder abuse and to develop strategies to combat it.
The Tlotlo Lorato Society has highlighted the importance of providing for the elderly.
Ms Masisi said after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, another pandemic, of bullying, has emerged.
She explained that bullying took another cure through bullying with adults.
He took off his hat for Tlotlo Lorato for caring for the elderly.
He said what they are doing will help improve the health of the elderly and help them live longer.
He encouraged the residents of Selebi Phikwe and the community at large to stand up against bullying.
Ms Masisi encouraged the community to get involved, to help Tlotlo Lorato care for the elderly.
He encouraged various companies and organizations to support Tlotlo Lorato in fulfilling their commitment to build a nursing home.
Ms Masisi said what Tlotlo Lorato is doing is showing the kindness that is one of the laughs this world is made of.
He has committed to helping the Tlotlo Lorato organization raise funds to help build a nursing home in the lobby.
Speaking on his part, Selebi Phikwe East MP Mr Kgoberego Nkawana said Selebi Phikwe like other areas has been hit hard by issues of domestic violence.
Mr Nkawana said the construction of a shelter for the elderly would help in reducing the issue of elder abuse.
He explained that the closure of the BCL mine had disrupted the lives of the people of Selebi Phikwe and led to many incidents of violence.
He asked government to provide special assistance to the Selebi Phikwe companies to be assisted as soon as possible to raise funds to create jobs.
He added that unemployment is one of the challenges that makes children challenge their parents.
Health services coordinator in Selebi Phikwe and surrounding areas Dr Kesegofetse Chabaesele stressed the importance of caring for the elderly.
Dr Chabaesele said adults are bullied in different ways.
Dr Chabaesele said the elderly seemed to be neglected, adding that an elderly person could be admitted to hospital without anyone taking care of him. He added that the elderly suffer from chronic diseases and fractures due to thinning bones as they get older as well as vision loss and forgetfulness.
He explained that some adults can get lost and end up entering homes that are not theirs without realizing it, unfortunately being celebrated by people as witches but that situation is caused by amnesia.
Dr Chabaesele encouraged families to take care of the elderly by taking them to hospital as soon as they wake up. One of the elders, Ms Malebogo Sejankabo, thanked the President for taking the initiative to come and support the people of Selebi Phikwe, saying that showed love.
Ms Sejankabo said Tlotlo Lorato deserved thanks for helping to provide better care for the elderly.
He said adults are especially abused by children in their homes, who extort money from them.
He said that they may be left with young children but no longer have the strength to care for their grandchildren.
He called on the chiefs to stand up, punish children who bully their parents in the home, and fight rape, especially against adults living in the fields.
Tlotlo Lorato coordinator, Ms Rebecca Dikoloti thanked Ms Masisi for her support.
He said the construction of a nursing home would help provide for the elderly better.
He explained that the Tlotlo Lorato organization was launched in 2020. He said the nursing home would help provide the elderly with exercise, care, recreation, health and nutrition.
He asked for the support of Selebi Phikwe residents, businesses and other sectors to make his dream come true.
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