Pretoria, 28 October 2026: The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule will lead the Active Ageing Programme in Bloemfontein, Free State Province from 30 to 31 October 2026, under the theme: “Golden Years: See Our Value; Golden Opportunities: Promote Our Rights.”
Guided by the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006, the National Development Plan, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, and the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing, the Active Ageing Programme seeks to promote healthy ageing, positive lifestyles, social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity.
The programme also aims to prevent social isolation and loneliness, strengthen community-based care and support services, and empower older persons to participate actively in society while ensuring access to their rights, dignity and inclusion.
As part of efforts to amplify the voices of older persons and promote their participation in decision-making processes, the programme will feature interactive dialogues during which senior citizens will have an opportunity to share their experiences and raise issues affecting their daily lives.
Like many South Africans, older persons face significant socio-economic challenges. Some share their Old Age Grant income with their families while caring for orphaned and vulnerable grandchildren, often in the context of high unemployment and limited household resources.
Older persons are also vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including physical and emotional abuse, gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. In addition, many face health challenges associated with chronic and age-related conditions, including HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and diabetes.
The programme seeks to address these challenges by promoting the rights, well-being and social inclusion of older persons, while encouraging communities to recognise their value and support their meaningful participation in society.
The successful implementation of the Active Ageing Programme is supported by partnerships between the Department of Social Development and various government departments and stakeholders. These include the departments responsible for health, sport, arts and culture, the Office of the Premier and municipalities.
Other partners include the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the South African Older Persons Forum, non-profit organisations, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and the private sector.
As part of the programme, older persons will participate in the Golden Games, which include choral music, soccer, athletics and various indigenous games. These activities promote physical health, social interaction, active participation and a sense of belonging among older persons.
The Active Ageing Programme also forms part of South Africa's commitment to the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to which the country is a signatory. The Plan identifies three priority areas: older persons and development; advancing health and well-being into old age; and ensuring enabling and supportive environments.
The Plan marked a shift towards a developmental approach to ageing, emphasising how societies perceive, engage with and care for older persons, with a particular focus on ensuring that they enjoy their full human rights.
MEDIA INVITATION
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Active Ageing Programme, scheduled as follows:
DAY ONE
Date: Friday, 30 October 2026
Time: 09h00 - 17:00
Venue: Dr Petrus Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Free State Province
DAY TWO PROGRAMME
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Time: 09h00 - 17:00
Venue: Clive Solomon Stadium, 65 Anna Maggerman Crescent, Ashbury, Heidedal, Bloemfontein, Free State Province
Media can RSVP to: Ms Nomfundo Lentsoane on 0664806845/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mr Thembile Nqabeni on 0664766193
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Sandy Godlwana, Head of Communication, on 0826785634 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
