GAUTENG LEG OF THE ACTIVE AGEING GAMES CLOSES WITH A THRILLER

By Lawrence Mashabela.

• Over two days, 500 of Gauteng’s elders demonstrated their sporting prowess and their passion to remain active.
• They took part in the provincial leg of the Active Ageing Games – a lead-up to the national Golden Games later this year.
• ⁠The games, part of the Department of Social Development’s active ageing programme, demonstrate the benefits of meaningful participation in physical fitness, sports, and cultural activities for persons aged 60 and above.

The Gauteng Provincial Active Ageing Games concluded on a high note, celebrating the spirit of unity, vitality, and healthy living among senior citizens.

Over two exciting days, older persons proved that age is just a number as they proudly demonstrated their energy, passion, and commitment to active living.

The games began on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, at the Isak Steyl Stadium near Vanderbijlpark in Sedibeng.

The programme provides a platform for elderly participants to remain physically active in their golden years, promoting longer life expectancy, preventing chronic diseases, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Organised by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in collaboration with the Department of Health, the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the Gauteng Older Persons Forum, and the Emfuleni Local Municipality, the event brought together more than 500 participants from clubs across all five provincial corridors.

Winners will go on to represent Gauteng at the upcoming National Golden Games taking place in the Western Cape.

Speaking on the sidelines of the games, acting head of department, Phumla Sekhonyane, commended the active ageing programme, noting its impact in encouraging older persons to live healthier, more engaged lives.

“I am inspired to join our grannies and mkhulus as they participate in these games.

“The active ageing programme demonstrates the benefits of meaningful participation in physical fitness, sports, and cultural activities for persons aged 60 and above,” Sekhonyane said.

“This programme is about more than compliance, it is about keeping our seniors healthy, socially connected, and celebrated as the treasures they are.”

Sekhonyane encouraged other seniors across Gauteng to join community clubs in their areas so they too can be part of this life-changing programme next year.

One of the highlights of the games was the participation of 87-year-old Gogo Flora Munjedzi from the West Rand team, who has been competing since 2006.

She took part in the 100-metre sprint, inspiring fellow seniors with her determination and fitness. “Many at my age can no longer run, but I am still able to compete and win sometimes even against younger competitors,” she said with pride.

The games featured a variety of sporting codes, including brisk walking, goal shooting, jukskei, athletics, and aerobics, with both male and female participants competing.

The active ageing programme forms part of the government’s broader older persons programme, which ensures that senior citizens are not only supported through social services, but are also encouraged to lead fulfilling, active, and healthy lives.

Through this initiative, the government continues to champion the well-being, dignity, and empowerment of older persons across Gauteng.