SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS TAKE PLACE AT ACTIVE AGEING EVENT

By Mthobisi Mbanjwa

• Older persons deserve to live without fear, says KwaZulu-Natal executive board member and secretary for the Older Persons Forum, Mami Zondi.
• She was speaking at the national dialogue taking place in Rustenburg, North West, as part of the 2025 National Active Ageing Programme.
• “Our justice system must take elder abuse seriously,” Zondi stated, demanding harsher punishments for criminals and faster prosecution of cases involving violence against older people.

Older people, especially those in rural areas, face neglect, violence, and even murder – often at the hands of the younger generation, according to the chairperson of the uMgungundlovu District and KwaZulu-Natal executive board member and secretary for the Older Persons Forum, Mami Zondi.

Zondi raised serious concerns about the growing problem of elder abuse and gender-based violence in the province while speaking at the national dialogue at the National Active Ageing Programme taking place from 18 – 20 February 2025 in the North West Province.

The annual event, organised by the Department of Social Development, brings together older persons from across South Africa for a celebration of health, wellness, and lifelong participation, as well as a wide-ranging dialogue on issues impacting senior citizens.

Zondi praised the government’s Active Ageing Programme, which has helped improve the health and happiness of senior citizens, pointing out that activities like the Golden Games encourage older people to stay physically and mentally active while building strong support systems.

These programmes, she said, are essential for fighting loneliness and improving the lives of seniors, who often play key roles as caregivers and breadwinners in their families.

However, Zondi warned that violent crimes against the elderly are increasing, with many seniors being accused of witchcraft, physically abused, or neglected.

She criticised the lack of protection for vulnerable groups, such as older women and those with disabilities, and called for stronger action from law enforcement and the courts.

“Our justice system must take elder abuse seriously,” Zondi stated, demanding harsher punishments for criminals and faster prosecution of cases involving violence against older people.

Her message supports KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli’s recent efforts to strengthen protection for at-risk communities by placing trained activists in key police stations.

Zondi also stressed the importance of working together; government, traditional leaders, community groups, and civil society must unite to protect older persons.

She encouraged education programmes to challenge harmful beliefs and empower senior citizens to report abuse without fear. She pointed to successful local initiatives, such as Jozini’s community-driven gender-based violence response programmes, as examples of what can be done to change attitudes.

“The safety and dignity of our elders must be a priority,” Zondi concluded.

“While we celebrate the success of active ageing programs, we must not ignore the urgent need for justice, protection, and social change. Our seniors deserve to live without fear.”