MEC Hlophe salutes Gogos and Mkhulus at Active Ageing Gala Dinner

By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe

It was not simply a gala dinner. It was a standing ovation for a lifetime of sacrifice.Under the theme; “Promoting Social Cohesion, Cultural Exchange and Active Ageing”, senior citizens who are 60 years and above, from Ehlanzeni, Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts filled the hall at the 2026 Provincial Active Ageing Gala Dinner, draped in cultural colours, their voices still strong from the day’s choir competitions.

Addressing the packed ANEW Hotel Conference Hall in White River, Mbombela Local Municipality, on Wednesday 26 August 2026, Mpumalanga MEC for DSD (Department of Social Development), Nompumelelo Hlophe, said the night belonged to the senior citizens.

The MEC said the DSD has travelled a long journey together with the Older Persons Forum as the most important stakeholder in the department. She furthermore expressed gratitude towards the HOD , Makhazasi Radebe, for the resolutions that have finally turned into reality.

“It gives me great joy to stand before you this evening as we gather for our 2026 Provincial Active Ageing Programme,” said MEC Hlophe.

“Tonight is not simply a gala dinner. It is a celebration of life, longevity, wisdom, culture and the remarkable contribution that older persons continue to make in our families and communities,” MEC Hlophe added.

**Pic : (on the left ) HOD Makhazasi Radebe with one of the gogoss ad MEC Hlophe in the gala dinner**

The MEC, who acknowledged partners including SASOL represented, the Department of Health, DCSR(Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation), the Office of the Premier, municipalities and caregivers, and the Mpumalanga Older Persons Forum, said ageing must never mean withdrawing.

“Our theme reminds us that ageing must never mean withdrawing from society. It must mean continuing to live, participate, teach, inspire and enjoy life. To our older persons: tonight belongs to you,” she said.

She praised the confidence she had witnessed throughout the day, from cultural performances to the much-loved Active Ageing Beauty Contest which gave the elders a one-of-a-kind opportunity to express themselves in the most memorable manner.

“We have watched your cultural performances, listened to your choirs and witnessed the confidence and beauty displayed during the Active Ageing Beauty Contest. You have reminded all of us that age does not take away talent, confidence, dignity or the ability to enjoy life,” Hlophe said.

The MEC said the programme exists for a deeper reason, which is to protect dignity.

“The Active Ageing Programme exists precisely because government recognises that older persons must be supported to remain physically active, socially connected and meaningfully involved in their communities,” she said.

According to MEC Hlophe, beyond the competition, the programme is serving a much greater purpose of building friendships from older persons across the three districts, strengthening social cohesion, sharing cultures, and reminding all that Mpumalanga is one family.

“Through this programme, we seek to enhance the quality of life of older persons, improve their overall health, showcase their abilities and capabilities, and increase participation in sport and recreational activities,” Hlophe affirmed.

**Pic: Some of the gogogs who participated on a beauty contest**

In an emotional tribute, Hlophe reminded the province what it owes to its elders. She acknowledged the older persons for carrying families through difficult times, raising children and grandchildren, preserving languages, traditions and values.

“We therefore owe them more than gratitude. We owe them respect. We owe them protection. We owe them quality services. And above all, we owe them dignity,” said MEC Hlophe.

She made a direct call to families and communities across Mpumalanga to take great care of the older persons, listen to them, spend time with them, and most importantly, protect them against neglect and abuse.

“ We must continue building communities in which growing older is not something to fear, but a stage of life that is respected, supported and celebrated,” she said.

MEC Hlophe thanked the health professionals in Mpumalanga for ensuring that the participants are properly supported and monitored throughout the activities.

“And to our caregivers, we recognise the work you do every day, often quietly and without recognition. Your service to older persons is service to society itself,” said the MEC.

She closed with a message ahead of the Golden Games.

” On behalf of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and the Department of Social Development, I salute every older person participating in the 2026 Provincial Active Ageing Programme. May God continue to give you strength, health, joy and many more years amongst us.

“Whether you return home with a medal or without one, you are already our champions. Siyanibonga bogogo nabomkhulu. Thank you for raising us. Thank you for guiding us.

Thank you for preserving our communities,” MEC Hlophe concluded.

Speaking to Emsamo News Gogo Evelyn Nkuna from Kwamhlanga said they are so grateful for the programme and it keep their minds buisy. Nkuna also has asked other gogo’s in the province to live a healthy life, ” As gogo’s and bomkhulu, our life is short now to be over stressing. this programme gas been there for years and we truly thank the department. I would like to encourage ‘ontanga’ staying home to practice this healthy lifestyle.’, she said.’