Pretoria - A group of older persons will be lucky enough to spend a day with the country's first citizen on Sunday.
To celebrate International Day of Older Persons, which will be observed internationally on Monday, President Jacob Zuma will host a number of the country's older citizens at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.
"The President intends to use the day to encourage society to reflect on the contribution of older persons to society in general and also galvanise communities to provide care and support to those older persons in need of care," said the Presidency in a statement.
The event is expected to be attended by the Minister for Social Development Bathabile Dlamini and her deputy Maria Ntuli.
Other guests will include the Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane, Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane and the Executive Mayor of Tshwane Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
On 14 December 1990, the UN General Assembly designated October 1 each year as the International Day of Older Persons.
The day was observed for the first time throughout the world on 1 October 1991.
The international day will also highlight issues affecting older persons such as health, social security, safety and security including abuse as well as lifestyle and contribution to society in general through living heritage and scarce skills.
