Pule takes the podium in Bloemfontein as pension money runs the whole household

Social Development Minister Dina Pule leads the Active Ageing Programme at Dr Petrus Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein from Friday 30 to Saturday 31 October 2026, under the theme “Golden Years: See Our Value. Golden Opportunities: Promote Our Rights.”

The department’s own account of why the programme is needed is the part that carries weight. According to the Department of Social Development, older persons face a set of socio-economic challenges at once. Some share their old age grant income with their families while caring for orphaned and vulnerable grandchildren, often amid high unemployment and limited household resources. They are also vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including physical and emotional abuse, gender-based violence and femicide, and many face health challenges associated with chronic and age-related conditions.

“The programme seeks to address these challenges by promoting the rights, well-being and social inclusion of older persons, while encouraging communities to recognise their value and support their meaningful participation in society,” the department said.

The two-day event is guided by the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006, the National Development Plan, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing. It aims to promote healthy ageing, positive lifestyles, social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity, and to prevent social isolation and loneliness, strengthen community-based care and support services, and empower older persons to participate actively in society while ensuring access to their rights, dignity and inclusion.

Interactive dialogues form part of the schedule, with senior citizens given the opportunity to share their experiences and raise issues affecting their daily lives. The programme also features the Golden Games, including choral music, soccer, athletics and various indigenous games, aimed at promoting physical health, social interaction, active participation and a sense of belonging.

The initiative is supported by partnerships between the department and other government departments and stakeholders, including those responsible for health, sport, arts and culture, the Office of the Premier and municipalities. Other partners include the South African Local Government Association, the South African Older Persons Forum, non-profit organisations, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and the private sector.

The programme forms part of South Africa’s commitment to the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, which identifies three priority areas: older persons and development, advancing health and well-being into old age, and ensuring enabling and supportive environments.

This report is drawn from the government’s own summary of the programme, published by SAnews (South African Government News Agency) at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/minister-pule-leads-active-ageing-programme, rather than from the full programme record. The summary does not say how many older persons are expected in Bloemfontein, what the dialogues are expected to produce, or what the department will do with the issues raised.