NATIONAL ACTIVE AGEING PROGRAMME TO TAKE PLACE IN NORTH WEST PROVINCE

By Precious Mupenzi

• The National Active Ageing Programme, bringing together older persons to celebrate health, wellness and lifelong participation, takes place in Rustenburg in the North West Province from 17 February 2025.
• The event, which includes the Golden Games, shines a spotlight on the invaluable role older persons play in society.
• It is expected that 1 700 over 60-year-olds will be taking part in this flagship event.

The spirit of resilience, vitality, and community will be on full display as the national Department of Social Development, in partnership with the North West Province, hosts the much-anticipated 2024/25 National Active Ageing Programme from 17 – 21 February 2025. This flagship event is set to bring together older persons from across South Africa for a celebration of health, wellness, and lifelong participation.

From heart-warming cultural expressions to competitive Golden Games, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better. With the theme “Embracing Vitality: Empowering Older Persons to Thrive in Their Communities” and the sub-theme “No One is Left Behind,” the National Active Ageing Programme will shine a spotlight on the invaluable role older persons play in society.

A celebration of active living

The programme kicks off with the arrival of participants on 17 February 2025, followed by an interactive engagement session on 18 February, where older persons will have the opportunity to engage with policymakers, community leaders, and government representatives. This session will allow them to voice their concerns, share experiences, and contribute to policy discussions that shape their lives.

The highly anticipated Golden Games, running from 19 – 20 February, will be a key highlight. Organised in collaboration with the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Department of Health, and various provincial and municipal entities, these games will feature a range of sports and recreational activities aimed at fostering physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Alongside the sporting events, the Older Persons Cultural Choir Festival will take centre stage, showcasing the artistic and cultural talents of older persons from across South Africa. This vibrant festival will celebrate heritage and creativity while reinforcing the message that ageing is not about slowing down but about living fully.

Promoting inclusivity and social cohesion

The National Active Ageing Programme aligns with the National Development Plan 2030, which envisions an inclusive society where every citizen reaches their full potential.

This year’s edition will welcome 1 700 delegates from all provinces, with participation from both rural and urban communities. Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring inclusivity for older persons with disabilities, reinforcing the message that no one is left behind.

“This programme is not just about staying active; it’s about fostering a sense of purpose and community among older persons,” said Jabu Mohlouwa, the Department of Social Development’s social work policy manager responsible for the protection of rights, care and services to older persons.

“We are committed to ensuring that older persons are not only cared for but are actively involved in shaping their own futures.”

The National Active Ageing Programme also aligns with international commitments such as the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, which advocates for active ageing as a fundamental aspect of a healthy and fulfilling life.

Additionally, it is supported by the Older Persons Act, No. 13 of 2006, which seeks to protect the rights and dignity of older individuals in South Africa.

KwaZulu-Natal is ready to defend its crown!

KwaZulu-Natal is entering the National Active Ageing Programme with fire in their hearts and their eyes set on victory. Having won the Golden Games seven consecutive times, the province is determined to make it eight in a row.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, expressed her excitement, stating: “As the province of KwaZulu-Natal, we are thrilled to participate in the 16th edition of the National Active Ageing Programme.

“This event is not just about competition but about fostering well-being and celebrating the vibrancy of older persons. We are sending a 250-strong delegation, ready to take the country by storm.

“Our premier, Mr Thami Ntuli, will host a send-off dinner to honour our champions before they embark on this incredible journey.”

She added with confidence, “Sithi nje! Watch this space … KwaZulu-Natal, the only province with a name and a surname!”

Voices from the older persons community     

The chairperson of the South African Older Persons Forum, Kgosietsile Sehularo, emphasised the significance of this annual gathering, highlighting that it is more than just a competition—it is a lifestyle.

“The anticipation around the National Active Ageing Programme motivates older persons to maintain their fitness throughout the year. It encourages healthy living and ensures that older people remain physically and socially engaged.”

Beyond sports and culture, the economic benefits of the National Active Ageing Programme cannot be overlooked, as the event contributes to local economies by generating business for the hospitality and tourism sectors. Even as the peak tourism season winds down, the arrival of thousands of delegates provides much-needed economic activity in the host province.

A national call to action

As the countdown begins, excitement is building. The National Active Ageing Programme is not just an event – it is a movement, a call to action to celebrate, empower, and engage older persons in meaningful ways. The public and stakeholders are encouraged to participate, support, and advocate for an active, inclusive, and thriving older generation.