MEC MAZIBUKO WISHES GAUTENG OLDIES WELL AHEAD OF THE NATIONAL GOLDEN GAMES

By Phetoho Maja

• Team Gauteng, made up of more than 150 senior citizens, received a dignified send-off as they left to participate in the annual National Golden Games.
• Both the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, and the MEC for Environment, Sheila Peters, were on hand to bid the team well.
• The games are part of an annual active ageing programme to encourage older persons to stay healthy and active and to continue to take part in community activities.

Gauteng MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko has wished the more than 150 senior citizens well as they head to the North West province to take part in the national Golden Games, which start on 18 February 2025.

The games form part of the 2024/25 National Active Ageing Programme organised by the Department of Social Development along with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, which is taking place from 18 – 20 February 2025. The event sees older persons from across South Africa celebrate of health, wellness, and lifelong participation.

Mazibuko was joined by the MEC for Environment, Sheila Peters, who was appointed by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi as the custodian of older persons and persons with disabilities.

Speaking at a send-off ceremony at Cedar Woods Hotel in Sandton, Mazibuko said Gauteng is a home of champions and encouraged all participants not to drop the ball.

“Today is a most important day, where we are officially sending you off to go and represent Gauteng. You must go there and properly represent us,” the MEC said. 

“We also want to thank you for braving this cold weather. Some of you left your families and grandchildren,” she said.

“We wish you all the best and we hope that you will bring trophies back to Gauteng,” added Mazibuko. 

Team Gauteng will take part in a dialogue where older persons will engage on issues affecting them on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, and will later join in song for the choral festival.

On Wednesday they will take to the field at Impala Rugby Club Stadium in Rustenburg to participate in football, athletics, pass and kick the ball, rugby ball throw, and various other indigenous games.