Negative perspectives towards the elderly and witchcraft are said to be among key factors still putting the lives of elderly persons in danger in Malawi.
The observation follows the continued occurrence of the violation and abuse of the right of the elderly people who are mostly being accused of witchcraft.
It also follows results of a 2022 Afrobarometer survey which indicates that 74% of Malawians believe in existence of witchcraft despite the country having a Witchcraft Act of 1911 which does not recognize the existence of the same.
Speaking with MIJ Online, Wonderful Mkhutche a humanist and a social commentator said there is a need to change people`s mindset on the existence of witchcraft if the country is to win the war against violation of the rights of the elderly which are mostly a result of the believe in witchcraft.
“Parents have to stop telling their children witchcraft related stories and that will assist in ensuring that such kids are unaware of its existence hence shaping and helping not to partake in acts that violates the rights of other people on witchcraft related issues,” Mkhutche said.
On his part Andrew Kavala country director for the Malawi Network of Elderly Persons Organizations-MANEPO said that, banked his hope of ending violations of the rights of the elderly in newly assented Older Persons Act which is currently waiting operationalisation.
