By Sellah Chunda & Patience Longwe
Government has called for proactive measures in protecting elderly people in Malawi, stressing the need for communities to unite in ending their persecution.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, made the assurance in Parliament on Thursday when she responded to concerns raised by Member of Parliament for Zomba Lisanjala, William Susuwele Banda, on the alarming increase in violence against the elderly, often due to witchcraft accusations.
“It is disheartening to see the elderly being persecuted. Since January; 18 elderly people have been killed. This is a troubling development.However, government has laws in place, such as the Older Persons Act, which the President has assented to,” Sendeza said.
According to Sendeza, Minister of Justice gazetted the Act which is now in operation but what remains is to raise awareness in communities so that everyone understands the importance of protecting the elderly and giving them their rightful place.
Sendeza announced that government will soon roll out a social protection grant, which will benefit 166,000 elderly individuals.
Susuwele Banda expressed concern that, the elderly who are supposed to live in peace are, currently, being targeted, tortured, and killed.
“As a nation, we have been silent on this issue. I raised this matter with the Minister of Gender, and I am glad she acknowledged that this is a problem we all must address. We must protect the elderly instead of harming them,” he said.
Banda emphasized the need to allow elderly individuals, who still have the energy, to participate in politics like anyone else.
In recent years, the elderly in Malawi have faced increased violence, being tortured and accused of witchcraft in various parts of the country.
