GOLDEN YEARS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AS MINISTER PULE LEADS ACTIVE AGEING PROGRAMME IN BLOEMFONTEIN

By DSD News

• The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, will lead the Active Ageing Programme in Bloemfontein, Free State, from 30 to 31 October 2026.
• Senior citizens will take part in interactive dialogues to share their experiences and raise issues affecting their daily lives, as well as the Golden Games, featuring choral music, soccer, athletics and indigenous games.
• The programme is supported by partners including the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the South African Older Persons Forum, non-profit organisations (NPOs), traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and the private sector.

Older persons in the Free State are set to take centre stage when the Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, leads the Active Ageing Programme in Bloemfontein from 30 to 31 October 2026.

Held under the theme “Golden Years: See Our Value; Golden Opportunities: Promote Our Rights”, the programme celebrates the contribution of senior citizens while promoting healthy ageing, positive lifestyles, social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity.

The programme is guided by the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006, the National Development Plan, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing. It also aims to prevent social isolation and loneliness, strengthen community-based care and support services, and empower older persons to participate actively in society with dignity, inclusion and full access to their rights.

Giving older persons a voice

To amplify the voices of older persons and promote their participation in decision-making, the programme will feature interactive dialogues where senior citizens can share their experiences and raise the issues that affect their daily lives.

Like many South Africans, older persons face significant socio-economic challenges. Some share their Old Age Grant with their families while caring for orphaned and vulnerable grandchildren, often in households affected by high unemployment and limited resources.

Older persons are also vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including physical and emotional abuse, gender-based violence and femicide. Many live with chronic and age-related conditions such as HIV and AIDS, cardiovascular disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and diabetes.

The Active Ageing Programme seeks to respond to these challenges by promoting the rights, well-being and social inclusion of older persons, while encouraging communities to recognise their value and support their meaningful participation in society.

Golden Games bring energy and belonging

A highlight of the programme will be the Golden Games, where older persons will compete in choral music, soccer, athletics and a variety of indigenous games. The activities promote physical health, social interaction and a strong sense of belonging.

Partnerships make it possible

The programme is made possible through partnerships between the Department of Social Development and other government departments, including those responsible for health and for sport, arts and culture, as well as the Office of the Premier and municipalities. Other partners include the South African Local Government Association, the South African Older Persons Forum, non-profit organisations, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and the private sector.

A global commitment to ageing well

The Active Ageing Programme forms part of South Africa’s commitment to the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to which the country is a signatory. The Plan identifies three priority areas: older persons and development; advancing health and well-being into old age; and ensuring enabling and supportive environments.

The Plan marked a shift towards a developmental approach to ageing, focusing on how societies perceive, engage with and care for older persons, and on ensuring that they enjoy their full human rights.