DEPUTY MINISTER REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO OLDER PERSONS AT NATIONAL ACTIVE AGEING PROGRAMME

By Precious Mupenzi

• Active ageing plays an important role in fostering a healthier and more inclusive society, Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Henricks told the participants at the National Active Ageing Programme in Rustenburg.
• The National Active Ageing Programme is built on four pillars: health, lifelong learning, participation, and security.
• “We owe it to Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu’s legacies to ensure that no older person is left behind,” said Hendricks.

Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of older persons, highlighting their invaluable contributions to society.

Speaking at the National Active Ageing Programme in Rustenburg, North West on 18 February 2025, the deputy minister, joined by MECs and senior officials from the Department of Social Development, emphasised the importance of active ageing in fostering a healthier and more inclusive society.

The National Active Ageing Programme is built on four pillars: health, lifelong learning, participation, and security, aligning with the National Development Plan 2030’s objectives of ensuring a dignified and fulfilling life for all South Africans.

Hendricks reiterated that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for older persons to exercise their constitutional rights and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

“This day is dedicated to strengthening the representative voice of older persons and creating awareness through this dialogue session.

“We must ensure that future generations of older persons are spared the division, discrimination, abuse, and criminal offenses committed towards them,” said Hendricks.

The deputy minister underscored the significance of national dialogues as platforms for advocacy, representation, and knowledge-sharing between older persons and policymakers. He noted that such engagements empower older citizens to highlight issues affecting them, such as healthcare access, retirement security, and age discrimination.

“Our senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and wisdom that should inform more balanced and thoughtful policy decisions. Through these dialogues, we are not only addressing the needs of older persons but also fostering intergenerational solidarity,” he stated.

Hendricks highlighted the government’s efforts in improving the quality of life for older persons, citing social grants as a critical intervention. He revealed that over 3.4 million older persons receive the Old Age Grant, enabling them to support their families and meet essential needs.

“The government has never failed our senior citizens and does not intend to do so. We will continue to honour our constitutional obligation to provide social grants to eligible beneficiaries without fail,” he assured the gathering in Rustenburg.

Deputy Minister Hendricks also announced that the Older Persons Amendment Bill, B11D-2022, had been successfully presented to the National Council of Provinces for consideration and adoption. The Bill seeks to enhance the rights, dignity, and security of older persons.

“We owe it to Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Albertina Sisulu’s legacies to ensure that no older person is left behind. The welfare of our older citizens is our utmost priority,” Hendricks concluded.

The deputy minister also took the opportunity to thank the South African Older Persons Forums, a structure operating at national, provincial, and local levels, that aims to protect and promote the rights of older persons in communities. The forums play a crucial advocacy role in ensuring that issues affecting older persons and the challenges they face receive the necessary attention.

He underscored the importance of active ageing, encouraging older persons to remain engaged in their communities and benefit from available social programmes. He reiterated that ageing should be seen as a period of continued contribution rather than decline.

The National Active Ageing Programme serves as a platform to address critical issues such as elder abuse, healthcare access, and social inclusion. The deputy minister reaffirmed the department’s dedication to creating an inclusive society where older persons live with dignity, respect, and the support they deserve.