KZN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT LEADS INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS COMMEMORATION IN UGU DISTRICT

By Sifiso Xulu and Trevor Khuzwayo.

• ⁠ ⁠The town of uMzinto in the Ugu District of KwaZulu-Natal honoured the senior citizens of their community at a celebration of the International Day for Older Persons.
• The International Day for Older Persons aims to ensure that elders are treated with respect and dignity and are recognised for their wealth of knowledge and life experience.
• KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli acknowledged the vital role they played in dismantling the oppressive structures of apartheid.

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, led by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, has hosted a special provincial celebration in the town of uMzinto, located within the Umdoni Local Municipality, in honour of the International Day for Older Persons.

The event, held on 1 October 2025, was not just a simple gathering; it was a heartfelt tribute to the senior citizens, to those who paved the way for generations to come.

The programme was directed by the MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, who has tirelessly advocated for initiatives aimed at safeguarding and uplifting older residents. Shinga is the MEC champion for the Ugu district in the District Development Model.

This effort reflects the deep commitment of the MEC to ensuring that elders are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, recognising the wealth of knowledge and life experience they bring to their communities.

The International Day for Older Persons serves as a reminder to celebrate the countless ways senior citizens have contributed to society. Their roles in shaping community identities cannot be overstated, as they have enriched people’s lives with their wisdom and experiences.

However, this day is not only about celebration; it also sheds light on the ongoing difficulties that many older individuals continue to face.

Issues such as crime, abuse, and neglect remain a stark reality, with some even becoming victims of violence from those they trust the most.

In his address, Premier Ntuli took a moment to honour the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens, acknowledging their vital involvement in dismantling the oppressive structures of apartheid.

Their courage and resilience were instrumental in overcoming the violent strife that plagued the province during the mid-1980s and early 1990s, the premier noted.

This acknowledgement highlights not only the strength of the elders but also the significant impact they continue to have on the country’s journey toward a more just and peaceful society.

The event was a celebration of their legacy, while also reflecting on both their achievements and the challenges that still lie ahead.