ACTING MINISTER CHIKUNGA CALLS FOR STRONGER ACTION TO PROTECT OLDER PERSONS FROM ABUSE

By DSD News

• Acting Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga calls on South Africans to move beyond awareness and actively prevent elder abuse.
• The Older Persons Amendment Act, signed into law in 2025, strengthens protections for older persons against abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day highlights the need for stronger community support systems and year-round action to safeguard the rights and dignity of older persons.

As South Africa commemorated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on 15 June 2026, Acting Minister of Social Development, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, called on all South Africans to play an active role in protecting older persons from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The global observance was marked under the United Nations theme, “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work”, which emphasises the importance of strengthening systems, services and community support mechanisms to prevent abuse before it occurs while protecting the dignity and human rights of older persons.

Minister Chikunga said elder abuse remains a serious concern that requires collective action from government, communities, families and service providers.
“Addressing elder abuse requires more than raising awareness. It demands effective prevention measures, responsive support systems and coordinated interventions that uphold the dignity, integrity and rights of older persons,” she said.

The commemoration also contributes to South Africa’s efforts to implement the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), which recognises older persons as one of the vulnerable groups requiring protection and support.

According to the Department of Social Development, population ageing continues to increase globally, including in South Africa. This demographic shift highlights the need for responsive systems that strengthen protection services, intervention programmes, care and community-based support for older persons.

The Department noted that elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, psychological and financial abuse, as well as neglect. In many cases, abuse occurs when older persons are isolated, lack support networks or have limited access to essential services.

To strengthen the protection of older persons, government has introduced legislative measures through the Older Persons Act and its recent amendment. The Older Persons Amendment Act, No. 1 of 2025, which was signed into law by the President in November 2025, seeks to strengthen measures aimed at preventing and addressing abuse, maltreatment, exploitation and neglect of older persons. The Act is currently awaiting the development of regulations to support its implementation.

The Department of Social Development continues to promote a 365-day approach to preventing elder abuse and raising awareness about the rights of older persons. As part of this commitment, the Department partnered with the Limpopo Office of the Premier to lead this year’s national awareness activities in Musina, Limpopo.

South Africa’s efforts are also aligned with the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, a global framework that guides countries in responding to the needs of ageing populations. The framework promotes the inclusion of older persons in development processes, access to healthcare and support services, and the creation of enabling and supportive environments where older persons can live with dignity and security.

Minister Chikunga urged communities to remain vigilant and to report all forms of abuse against older persons.
“Protecting older persons is everyone’s responsibility. We must work together to create safe, supportive and respectful communities where older persons can live free from abuse and continue to contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.