Honouring Older Persons in KwaNojoli

The Jakes Gerwel Multi-purpose Centre in KwaNojoli, Somerset East, came alive today as government, civil society, and communities gathered for the Provincial Commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), hosted in the Blue Crane Route Municipality.

The event, held under the theme “The Role of Older Persons in Creating Resilient, Sustainable Societies” sought to empower senior citizens while highlighting their vital role in shaping sustainable futures.

The Executive Mayor of Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Cllr Deon de Vos, officially opened and welcomed guests, while Cllr Bonisile Manxoweni, Mayor of Blue Crane Route Municipality, delivered the vote of thanks. National Government was represented by Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Gen. Bantu Holomisa, who gave remarks on the importance of protecting and uplifting older persons. The programme directors were Mrs Grace Dolph, Secretary of the Sarah Baartman District Older Persons Forum, and Ms Desiree du Plessis, Secretary of the Eastern Cape Older Persons Forum.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Acting Premier, MEC for Health Hon. Ntandokazi Capa reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, security, and wellbeing for older persons. She emphasised that older citizens are “not marginal voices to be heard occasionally, but key partners in building inclusive, caring, and resilient communities”

The day was marked by a series of impactful interventions:

- Department of Social Development handed over essential equipment, including gas stoves and refrigerators, to three service centres: Elukhanyisweni (Cookhouse), Malukhanye (KwaNojoli), and Nelsig/Khanyiso (Pearston).

- Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) supported 25 older persons with seedlings and farming implements.

- Department of Health provided mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames to selected beneficiaries, alongside mobile clinic services offering dental, physiotherapy, and general health support.

A beneficiary, Ms Ngxumaza-Sophila, shared her success story, outlining how her cooperative has been supported through government initiatives, while Ms Lwana from the Department of Social Development led a session on combating ageism and shared the toll-free number 0800 10 11 10 for reporting elder abuse.

Beyond the official programme, the event was a celebration filled with music, dance, and joy, as local cultural groups entertained the crowd. Government departments and partners, including the IEC, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Human Settlements, EC Liquor Board, Old Mutual, and Vodacom, offered services on wheels to provide direct assistance to attendees.

Before closing the event the entire hall sang 'happy birthday' to 91 year-old, Mrs Elizabeth Seyise from Jansenville.

The event was not only a celebration of the wisdom and contributions of older persons but also an opportunity to deliver  tangible services and support to improve their daily lives.