Bulawayo Province Proportional Representative MP, Thokozani Khupe (CCC), has called on the government to prioritize the welfare of senior citizens, saying many cannot afford medical care due to the country’s economic crisis.
In an interview with <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200036454/spare-a-thought-for-senior-citizens-khupe">Southern Eye</a>, Khupe also emphasized the need for the government to construct more old people’s homes to support the elderly, particularly those without relatives to care for them. She said:
<blockquote>
As Members of Parliament, we have a duty to urge the government to prioritise the welfare of senior citizens as they require more medical attention since they are mostly vulnerable to a lot of illnesses.
They have little money and private hospitals require a lot of money which has made them more vulnerable due to lack of medical attention.
</blockquote>
The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) is intended to be a safety net for pensioners, but the monthly payouts are insufficient to meet their needs.
With the sharp rise in the cost of living, elderly retirees who spent decades working in the public service have been left destitute.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Thokozani Khupe wants the government to help old people more because many can't afford medical care. She says the government should build more homes for old people who don't have family to look after them. Senior citizens need help because they are more likely to get sick. The money they get from monthly payouts is not enough to cover their needs. Many retired people who worked for a long time are struggling because the cost of living has gone up. Khupe says the government needs to do more to help seniors in need.

Welfare Of Senior Citizens Should Be Prioritised - Khupe

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has resolved that residents who are 70 years old and above will now be exempted from paying parking fees in the city.
The exemption was announced by the City of Bulawayo’s partner in parking management, Tendy Three Investments (TTI) on Friday.
The company has since requested those who fall under the category to bring their documents for registration by 30 January 2024.
BCC acting corporate communications manager, Bongiwe Ngwenya told <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/no-parking-fees-for-those-over-70/">The Sunday News</a> that the local authority has decided to waive parking fees for residents who are 70 years old and above to honour them for their contribution to the growth and development of the city. She said:
<blockquote>
This is an appreciation of the contributions of the elderly who have worked for the growth and development of Bulawayo during their peak days. The exemption package is a way of honouring them.
The package also came about following stakeholder consultation and residents’ contributions towards service delivery and a call from the policy makers for such consideration to ease the livelihoods of the elderly who have passed working age.
</blockquote>
According to a notice by TTI, those eligible will have 25 hours of free parking a month with one registered motor vehicle per elderly person and the beneficiary must be in use of the vehicle either as a driver or passenger. It reads:
<blockquote>
Upon utilisation of the 25 hours of free parking within a particular month, the motor vehicle will be required to thereafter commence payment of regular parking fees.
Any vehicle found misusing this exemption package will be permanently removed from the database without the possibility of re-submission of the application.
The exemption allows you to park within the designated white boundary parking bays and exempted vehicles found in violation of the City of Bulawayo (Clamping and Tow Away) By-laws will be dealt with as per the By-Laws.
</blockquote>
Those who are eligible to be able to register for the exemption package must provide a national identity card, proof of residence in Bulawayo, a valid driver’s licence and a motor vehicle registration book in the name of the eligible senior citizen.
In addition, the vehicle registration must not be less than three months from 15 January 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Council Waives Parking Fees For Those Over 70

The City of Harare has said it will continue to discount monthly rates by up to 50 per cent for ratepayers over 65 years old.
Eligible residents must own property in Harare.
This was revealed by Harare City Council human resources and general purposes committee chairperson, Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe.
She said all senior citizens should register with the council to get the discounts. Said Kadzombe:
<blockquote>
Council has a senior citizen discount policy for all those over 65 years. I thought it necessary to share the information so that residents who are not yet benefitting can register for the discount.
</blockquote>
The 50 per cent discount for senior citizens is meant to encourage ratepayers to pay their debts.
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume recently said the local authority’s collection efficiency remained less than 50 per cent of its potential. | <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/city-of-harare-to-continue-discounts-for-elderly-citizens">The Sunday Mail</a>

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