Africa-Press – Eswatini. The morning sun bathed the Zombodze Emuva community grounds in a golden glow as elderly men and women gathered beneath fluttering tents, their faces lit with smiles and quiet dignity.
They came not just for a celebration, but to be honoured for the wisdom, resilience, and love they have poured into their families and communities for decades.
Leading the commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, represented by Principal Secretary Siboniso Nkambule, delivered a powerful message of commitment: Eswatini will continue to stand with its older citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind.
This year’s theme, “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Well-being and Our Rights,” perfectly captured the spirit of the day.
“From community leadership to global advocacy, older persons continue to shape the world with courage, conviction, and compassion,” said the DPM.
She reaffirmed government’s dedication to strengthening healthcare access, expanding social protection, and creating age-friendly communities where older persons can thrive, not merely survive. She also touched on the pressing issue of neglect, calling on all Liswati to rekindle the culture of caring for elderly family members.
“It is a moral and social duty for every child to care for their parents,” she emphasized, urging regular visits and support for elderly relatives, many of whom are raising grandchildren.
The celebration was a collective effort, with MTN, ESCCOM, the Police Service, the Ministry of Health, and the Regional Administrator’s Office joining community leaders such as Elliot Mkhatshwa from the Pensioners Association and Hezekiah Sibandze, an Elderly Representative, in championing the cause of older persons.
Adding a tangible touch of generosity, the DPM donated 100 food parcels, while the area MP offered food and clothing to support senior citizens.
As the day unfolded with speeches, songs, and shared laughter, the message was clear: older persons are not just part of Eswatini’s past, they are active drivers of its present and future. The commemoration underscored a national commitment to dignity, inclusion, and intergenerational unity.
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