​On Wednesday, 23 July 2025, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Departments of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Health, and the Johannesburg Older Persons Forum, hosted the annual regional golden games at Ruimsig Athletic Stadium near Roodepoort, Central Corridor.
These active ageing games are aimed at empowering senior citizens to stay active and engaged so they can continue to enjoy healthy and purposeful lives. They also seek to promote healthy lifestyles with a view to creating a positive narrative about ageing as a normal developmental stage in the human life cycle.

The games brought together hundreds of older persons from across the region to participate in various sporting codes, including brisk walking, soccer, athletics, ring-the-ball, dress-up, jukskei, rugby ball throw, and athletics.

According to the Johannesburg Older Persons Forum Chair, Lebogang Moholatse, the programme is aimed at people over 60 and focuses on improving their health, promoting active living, and preventing and reducing age-related illnesses.

She further encouraged older persons to refrain from spending too much time alone, to join Older Persons Clubs, exercise, eat healthy foods, and participate in various societal activities in their respective communities.

Expressing her gratitude for the active ageing programme, Cynia Teka (61) said they enjoy the games, and the programme helps them stay active.

“We are really having fun, and for us, it is about our health more than anything. We appreciate the department for making it possible; it’s honestly helping us a lot,” Teka said.

The pass-the-ball spreader calls on many older persons who are still staying at home to join clubs in their communities and participate in the active ageing programme.

“We have to look after ourselves and avoid stressful environments. Participating in active ageing programmes is not only good for our bodies but also for our minds,” she said.

Another 63-year-old, Thomas Chabalala from Tembisa, said he is very happy to participate again in this year’s games and encourages others to continue maintaining an active and productive lifestyle as elders.

“It keeps us busy, and the good thing is that most people are our peers; we understand each other, and I am no longer spending days at home doing nothing,” Chabalala added.

Onicah Radiokwane (61) shared similar sentiments, adding that she already sees the benefits of participating in the active ageing programme. She said she was always lazy at home and sleeping too many hours even during the day; however, since she joined the older persons club and got involved in exercises, her health has improved.

“I am very active and fit, and I can walk long distances; my blood pressure is also well controlled, and I feel like I am young again,” she said.