GOLDEN GAMES CELEBRATE THE STRENGTH, TALENT AND DIGNITY OF OLDER PERSONS

By Justice Malapane

• The Department of Social Development (DSD) hosted the 2026 National Golden Games at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung, Free State, from 30 to 31 October 2026.
• Older persons from all nine provinces took part in sport, recreation and a choral music festival as part of the National Active Ageing Programme (NAAP).
• The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, said the programme reaffirms Government’s commitment to the rights, dignity and wellbeing of older persons.

The Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung came alive with energy, music and friendly competition as older persons from across the country gathered for the 2026 National Golden Games, hosted by the Department of Social Development from 30 to 31 October 2026.

The Golden Games served as the flagship of this year’s National Active Ageing Programme, bringing together older persons from all nine provinces to take part in sporting and recreational activities that promote healthy ageing, active living, social inclusion and nation-building. A highlight of the two-day programme was the organised choral music festival, which showcased the talents of participants and celebrated their contribution to social cohesion and cultural preservation.

The gathering formed part of Government’s broader commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, wellbeing and social participation of older persons, as set out in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 and the Older Persons Amendment Act of 2025. In line with the Older Persons Act, the programme created opportunities for older persons to participate meaningfully in cultural and recreational life.

The Golden Games recognise older persons as active citizens and rights holders who continue to make a valuable contribution to their families, communities and society. Across South Africa, many older persons serve as caregivers, community leaders and mentors, and as custodians of cultural values and indigenous knowledge.

While celebrating these contributions, Government remains mindful of the challenges many older persons face, including poverty, social isolation, age discrimination, abuse, neglect and limited access to services. The National Golden Games are one of the Department’s flagship interventions to promote active ageing, strengthen social inclusion and improve the quality of life of older persons.

Minister Pule said the National Active Ageing Programme celebrates the resilience, capabilities and invaluable contributions of older persons to the development of the nation.
“It is through this programme that Government reaffirms its commitment to creating an enabling environment in which older persons can lead healthy, active and dignified lives. As we continue to advance the implementation of the Older Persons Act, we remain committed to protecting the rights of older persons and promoting their meaningful participation in all aspects of society,” said Minister Pule.

The programme aims to promote active and healthy ageing, encourage participation in sport, recreation and wellness activities, and strengthen social inclusion and community participation. It also seeks to raise awareness of the rights of older persons, promote positive perceptions of ageing, and advance the implementation of the Older Persons Act and related policy frameworks implemented by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department of Health and other government departments.

The Golden Games further support South Africa’s commitments under the African Union Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, 2002, and the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030). They also advance the objectives of the National Health Act, 2003, and the National Sport and Recreation Act, 1998, by encouraging physical activity, wellness and lifelong participation in recreation and sport.

The programme was hosted in line with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants, officials and spectators.