DINOKANA: North West MEC for Social Development Basetsana Sussana Dantjie has kickstarted Social Development Letsema Month by joining older persons in Dinokana near Zeerust to mark the United Nations-sanctioned International Day of Older Persons.
The occasion brought together senior citizens from across the Ngaka Modiri Molema District in a celebration of ageing, dignity, resilience and the invaluable contribution older persons continue to make to families and communities.
MEC Dantjie used the gathering to launch the department’s Social Development Letsema Month, an initiative aimed at intensifying developmental services and taking government services closer to communities.
She said the drive to reach more communities complements her flagship programme, Re Thuse Re Go Thuse, which seeks to strengthen support and services to vulnerable communities.
“Your safety is of paramount importance to us,” Dantjie told the older persons, while reiterating points raised by President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding the need for mast lights and the clearing of overgrown bushes to improve safety in communities.
“All our promises will be hollow if your safety, security and state of mind are compromised,” she said.
Dantjie said older persons remain an invaluable part of the social fabric, having played a critical role in raising families, nurturing communities and passing knowledge and traditions from one generation to another.
The gathering highlighted the importance of dignity, respect, inclusion, wellbeing and active participation among older persons. It also provided senior citizens with an opportunity to connect, share their experiences, showcase their talents and strengthen community bonds.
The emotional highlight of the day was the recognition of two centenarians — Gaza Ngwaiso from Mahikeng and Flora Motlogelwa from Ramotshere Moiloa, both aged 105.
Their remarkable longevity reflected the theme of the 2026 United Nations International Day of Older Persons: “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
The United Nations theme calls on governments, civil society, the private sector, researchers and older persons themselves to consider how societies can ensure that additional years of life translate into healthy, productive, dignified and equitable lives for all.
It further recognises that longevity intersects with health systems, labour markets, social protection, education, housing and fiscal sustainability — areas that require coordinated responses rather than being addressed in isolation.
For Motlogelwa’s family, celebrating her 105th birthday was a moment of immense pride.
Her granddaughter, Mmathapelo Makganye, said her grandmother remains remarkably independent.
“She can still bathe on her own and does not need assistance when eating,” said Makganye.
She added that her grandmother still has a good appetite, although beef is not part of her diet. According to the family, Motlogelwa is not currently taking any medical treatment.
The celebration served as a powerful reminder that longevity is not simply about adding years to life, but about ensuring that older persons can live those years with dignity, safety, purpose and continued connection to their communities.
ENDS
Issued by North West Department of Social Development
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