FREE STATE TO HOST NATIONAL ACTIVE AGING PROGRAMME IN OCTOBER 2026

By: Precious Mupenzi

• Social Development MINMEC has approved the Free State as the host province for the 2026 National Active Ageing Programme.
• The programme will be held in October to coincide with Older Persons Month and celebrate the contributions of older persons.
• The initiative provides a platform for older persons to influence policy, promote healthy ageing, strengthen social cohesion, and participate in the Golden Games.

The Social Development MINMEC has approved the hosting of the National Active Ageing Programme (NAAP) 2026 in the Free State Province in October 2026.

The approval marks a significant milestone for older persons across the country and for the South African Older Persons Forum, which continues to partner with the Department of Social Development in advancing the rights, wellbeing and active participation of older persons.

MINMEC also considered and supported a request by the South African Older Persons Forum for the programme to be hosted in October, in recognition of Older Persons Month, which is observed annually to celebrate the invaluable contributions of older persons to society.

As one of the Department’s flagship programmes, the National Active Ageing Programme provides a platform for older persons to engage on issues affecting their lives, contribute to policy and programme development, promote healthy lifestyles, strengthen social cohesion, and participate in the much-anticipated Golden Games.

Presenting on the importance of the programme during the MINMEC meeting, Deputy Director-General for Welfare Services, Siza Magangoe, emphasised that the National Active Ageing Programme remains a critical vehicle for empowering older persons and ensuring that their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

“The National Active Ageing Programme is more than a recreational and sporting programme; it is a platform that promotes the dignity, participation, health and wellbeing of older persons. It creates opportunities for older persons to engage on matters affecting them, influence policy discussions, strengthen social cohesion, and demonstrate that ageing should be embraced as a stage of continued contribution to society. Through this programme, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that older persons remain active, visible and valued members of our communities,” said Magangoe.

The Department of Social Development looks forward to welcoming older persons from all provinces to the Free State in October 2026 as they celebrate active ageing, showcase their talents, strengthen social bonds, and contribute to shaping a society that respects, protects and values older persons.

The observance of Older Persons Month will further provide an opportunity to highlight the rights, achievements and ongoing contributions of older persons to South Africa’s development while promoting positive ageing and intergenerational solidarity.