As the world marks International Day of Older Persons, sound of music, laughter and celebration filled the Vereeniging Civic Theatre in Sedibeng as older persons from across Gauteng came together for the Older Persons Provincial Choir Festival.
Hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the festival provided older persons with an opportunity to showcase their musical talents, socialise with peers and celebrate the joy of ageing through music and performance. The festival is part of the Department’s recreational programmes for older persons, which are aimed at promoting active ageing, social participation and the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of senior citizens.
Gauteng MEC for Social Development Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the Department recognises that older persons should continue to have opportunities to participate, express themselves and enjoy meaningful activities within their communities. “Our older persons have so much to offer. They have talent, experience and stories that continue to enrich our communities. Through recreational activities such as the Provincial Choir Festival, we are creating spaces where they can come together, remain active, build friendships and simply enjoy themselves,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The festival brought together choirs representing different communities and municipalities, creating an opportunity for participants to share their talents while strengthening social cohesion and celebrating Gauteng’s cultural diversity. For many of the participants, the stage was more than a place to perform. It was a space to reconnect with friends, make new memories and demonstrate that age does not have to limit participation in recreational and cultural activities.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said active ageing is about ensuring that older persons continue to live with dignity and remain connected to their communities. “Today, our older persons have reminded us that joy has no age limit. Whether through music, sport, cultural activities or other recreational programmes, we must continue creating opportunities for our senior citizens to remain active, connected and celebrated,” she said.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to provide programmes and activities that promote the wellbeing, dignity and social inclusion of older persons, while creating opportunities for them to participate actively in community life. The Provincial Choir Festival provided a platform through which the Department celebrates older persons, not only for their contribution to families and communities, but also for the talent, energy and joy they continue to bring to Gauteng.
