MEC MANOPOLE CELEBRATES OLDER PERSONS IN KURUMAN AND POSTMASBURG

By DSD News

• MEC for Northern Cape Department of Social Development, Mase Manopole hosted Older Persons Appreciation Functions in Wrenchville (Kuruman) and Postdene (Postmasburg) on 15 October 2026 as part of Social Development Month.
• SASSA, the Department of Health and FAMSA gave older persons information on social grants, healthcare and protection from elder abuse and neglect.
• ⁠The MEC urged families and communities to care for older persons, protect them from abuse and treat them with dignity and respect.

Older persons in the John Taolo Gaetsewe and Z.F. Mgcawu districts were honoured for their lifelong contributions to families and communities when Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Ms Mase Manopole, hosted two Older Persons Appreciation Functions on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

The function, held in Wrenchville in Kuruman and Postdene in Postmasburg, formed part of the department’s Social Development Month programme under the theme “Strengthening Families Through Partnerships.” They brought together government, social partners and community members to celebrate older persons and to make sure they know about the services and support available to them.

Addressing the gatherings, MEC Manopole described older persons as valuable members of society whose wisdom, experience and sacrifices have helped shape families and communities. She called on everyone to share responsibility for protecting older persons from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The MEC also encouraged families to play a more active role in the lives of their elders by spending time with them, listening to their stories and making sure they are always treated with dignity and respect.

Services brought closer to older persons

At both venues, partner organisations gave practical information to help older persons get the support they need. SASSA explained social grants and social security services, while the Department of Health spoke about access to healthcare, preventative care and managing chronic illnesses. Families South Africa (FAMSA) focused on strengthening families, psychosocial support and counselling, as well as preventing elder abuse and neglect.

Local government stands with older persons

The department welcomed the support of local government leaders at both events. In Kuruman, the Speaker of Ga-Segonyane Local Municipality, Cllr Keamogetse Madikiza, and the Executive Mayor of John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Cllr Queen Mogatle-Thoane, attended. In Postmasburg, the Speaker of Tsantsabane Local Municipality, Cllr Lindiwe Teise, and the Mayor, Cllr Helena English, joined the celebrations. Their presence showed a shared commitment across all spheres of government to improving the well-being of older persons.
Guided by the Older Persons Act, 2006 (Act No. 13 of 2006), the department continues to promote healthy ageing, prevent elder abuse and neglect, and strengthen family and community support systems.

The Northern Cape Department of Social Development calls on families and communities to value older persons as essential to building stronger families and socially cohesive communities, as it works toward a caring and inclusive society where older persons are respected and protected.