KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli led the commemoration of the International Day for Senior Citizens at Umzinto Sports Field on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, under the Umdoni Local Municipality in the Ugu District. The day’s programme honoured the contributions of senior citizens as custodians of history, heritage, and knowledge, while addressing the challenges they continue to face.

Honouring the Late Nathi Mthethwa

The Premier opened the event by calling for a moment of silence in memory of South African Ambassador to France, Nathi Mthethwa, who passed away in Paris on Tuesday, 30 September 2025. Mthethwa was a former Minister of Police as well as Sports, Arts, and Culture, and his passing was acknowledged with solemn respect.

Recognising the Role of Senior Citizens

In his address, Premier Ntuli paid tribute to senior citizens for their pivotal role in breaking the shackles of apartheid and for helping to end the internecine violence that gripped KwaZulu-Natal during the 1980s and early 1990s. He praised them as nation-builders whose sacrifices laid the foundation for democracy and peace.

He urged elders to continue working with the Provincial Government of Unity to confront pressing social challenges, including crime, gender-based violence, and the abuse of the elderly. He further called on communities in Umzinto and surrounding areas to protect older persons and to report perpetrators of abuse.

Visit to Anchor Village Old Age Home

As part of the commemoration, Premier Ntuli visited Anchor Village Old Age Home in Umzinto, where he interacted with residents and staff. He expressed appreciation that the issue of unauthorised debit orders, which had previously plagued residents, had been resolved.

The Premier also thanked officials from the Departments of Social Development, Home Affairs, and Health, along with partners from the banking sector, for bringing services directly to senior citizens on their special day.

Theme: Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future

This year’s commemoration was held under the theme: “Empowering Elderly Voices for an Inclusive Future.” Premier Ntuli announced a comprehensive package of interventions and programmes designed to improve the quality of life for older persons. These include:
• Stronger protective measures against physical, sexual, and financial abuse.
• Programmes to combat social exclusion and harmful cultural practices such as witchcraft accusations.
• Initiatives to ensure senior citizens remain active contributors in families, communities, and the province’s socio-economic development.

A Call to Action

Premier Ntuli reaffirmed that older persons remain among the most vulnerable members of society and emphasised the need for decisive, far-reaching measures to address injustices and promote social inclusion.

“The International Day for Senior Citizens is not only a celebration, but a solemn reminder of our responsibility to protect, empower, and include our elders. They are the custodians of our history and heritage, and their dignity must always be safeguarded,” said Premier Ntuli.

The commemoration in Umzinto reflected the province’s ongoing commitment to building a caring, inclusive society where the rights and contributions of senior citizens are fully respected and valued.