EMALAHLENI – Senior citizens from across the municipality competed for places in the district Golden Games during the Active Ageing Programme held at Lynnville Stadium on 26 June 2026.
The programme was hosted by the Department of Social Development in partnership with the Department of Health, Nkangala District Municipality, eMalahleni Local Municipality, State-Owned Entities (SOEs), AVBOB and Old Mutual.
The event brought together senior citizens from across the municipality to compete in the local-level Golden Games, with top performers qualifying to represent eMalahleni at the district competition.
Participants took part in a variety of sporting and recreational activities, including fast walking, athletics, ring the stick, dribbling exercises and team-building activities. The programme promoted healthy living while giving older persons an opportunity to showcase their skills in friendly competition.
Linah Mokgodi of the Eligugu Old Age Centre won the ring-the-stick competition to qualify for the district-level Golden Games.
"I am very excited that I won and proud to be an active older person. I hope to do well at district level too," she said.
"Our forum encourages us to practise all the time, and I have seen that practising played a big role in my victory. My dream is to reach the national level."
The event was supported by eMalahleni Local Municipality Executive Mayor Vusi Nhlapho through the municipality's Transversal Unit.
Nhlapho commended stakeholders for supporting programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of older persons.
"We must continue to look after our senior citizens and recognise the invaluable contribution they have made to society. They deserve to live in safe, healthy and supportive environments where they can continue to thrive," said Nhlapho.
He said older persons should be cared for, protected and treated with dignity and respect. Nhlapho encouraged families and communities to continue supporting older persons by creating safe and healthy environments for them.
The games promoted fitness, healthy ageing and social interaction while giving qualifying participants an opportunity to represent eMalahleni at the district competition.
The Active Ageing Programme forms part of ongoing efforts to promote healthy living and active ageing among older persons in the municipality.
