This symposium’s discourse focuses on three countries: Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. All panellists are Pass It On Network (PION) members, a global grassroots alliance operating among older adults in over 60 countries, to promote positive ageing, peer-to-peer and/or intergenerational learning and support networks.

There is growing policy recognition of older persons’ rights, as reflected in Africa’s country strategies encompassing the African Union Agenda 2063: The Africa we want, so older persons are not left behind. The three Southern African countries are at different stages of development, with many commonalities and different solutions.

Botswana recognises its persistent public health, social welfare, and human rights issues as reflected in the qualitative study under discussion. Policy interventions and community-based programmes are prioritising the specific needs of the aging population, through strengthening social protection systems, improving healthcare access, enhancing financial support structures, and fostering digital inclusion, based on evidence-based strategies.

South Africa has also developed progressive approaches to promote the rights of older persons. However, elder abuse, a global phenomenon and violation of human rights, continue to be major challenges. One innovative approach is the development and implementation of a national toll-free helpline launched in 2022. Other solutions include comprehensive policy reforms, rural community-based initiatives and increased resource allocation to create a more equitable and just society for all citizens, regardless of age.

In Zimbabwe, the human rights issues affecting older people stem from the volatile socio, economic and political environment, which impacts negatively on all ages. Empowerment of older persons through job creation, access to the digital age and creating space to influence policy and practice, can promote the creation of age friendly environments.

CONCLUSIONS

• All three countries are striving towards universal binding human rights standards for older persons so pressing social, economic, and cultural needs are addressed through the implementation of rights-based programmes, be it health care, universal pensions, or the WHO age-friendly eight Domains of Livability.

• Academia and the media are essential in tackling the dearth of information on older persons in Southern Africa. Increased research and information dissemination can positively impact evidence-based policy and practice.

• The UN Older Persons’ Convention will help minimise ageism while promoting a life worth living. Governments, all societal groups and communities should address rights issues, supported by domestic laws that stem from the proposed global Convention.

1. Nesta Hatendi is an International Development Consultant with experience in humanitarian and international development organisations. A member of U3A Zimbabwe, she is also the Pass It On Network (PION) Southern Africa Coordinator.

She is a resource person with the International Institute on Ageing United Nations (INIA), Malta Satellite Centre for Sub-Saharan Africa, in collaboration with the Dave Omokaro Foundation. It focuses on delivering an International Training Programme in Ageing Policy Formulation, Planning and Implementation.

Nesta is a past:

• Regional Director of HelpAge International covering Sub-Saharan Africa

• Board Member and Chairperson of Melfort Old People’s Home, Melfort, Zimbabwe

• Committee Member of the Zimbabwe Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Association

• AU Expert Advisor on The Third Review and Appraisal Cycle of the Implementation of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing in Africa

• Expert Advisor to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Social Development Policy Division, on Ageing in Small Island States

• Member of the African Union Commission, UNECA and African Population and Health Research Center Working Group on Aging and a Demographic Dividend in Africa.

• Presenter and author of various papers on ageing, including at two IFA conferences in Cameroon and Canada.

She is active in Rotary and sits on two international boards.

linkedin.com/in/nesta-hatendi-545b5a26

 

2. Magen Metepa is the co-founder of Ageless Inspirations, liaison Officer for PION, Chair for CommonAge Africa-Botswana, and an AProfessor. Through her research, advocacy, and mentorship, she remains committed to shaping policies and interventions that enhance the well-being of the aging population. Previously, she was a teaching assistant at the University of Sydney (NSW) and a recipient of the Australian International Postgraduate Research Scholarship and APA awards. Her primary research interests include Aging, health/well-being, HIV/AIDS, abuse/rights, with a current focus on Dementias (AD/ADRD) in older adults with HIV. She received three prestigious research awards on Spousal abuse (2001), Resilience and wellbeing in older adults(2014, Manchester), and National Research Excellence Award (2003, Botswana).

 

3. Femada Shamam is the CEO of The Association for the Aged, one of South Africa’s largest non-profit organizations serving older persons. With 25 years of experience in social work and management, she has held diverse roles in service delivery, planning, training, policy development, and media engagement, while contributing opinion pieces to prominent publications. Driven by a vision of a world responsive to older people’s needs and conducive to dignified ageing, she champions capacity building in South Africa and across Africa. As Vice Chair of two global bodies and a contributor on ageing issues on several international platforms, Femada blends advocacy with impactful leadership.

 

4. Malebo Mokone has forty-two years’ experience of working in the development field as a social worker, educator and administrator. She holds postgraduate qualifications in gerontology and has presented scientific papers at conferences and published articles on ageing. She served on the Interim South African Older Persons Forum and served two terms in the SAOPF. She serves on the Section 11 Committee of the South African Human Rights Commission. She is committed to addressing ageism, depriving older persons of contributing to the development of their communities and ensuring that they are not pushed to the fringes of society.

 

5. Beatrice Sithole. Published author, life skills coach, and motivational speaker. She is the founder of Power of Touch (PoT), which is accredited to the UN Open-ended working group. Founder of the Association of Senior Citizens Organisations in Zimbabwe (ASCO). She is a representative of Pass It On Network. President of the University of the 3rd Age (U3A) in Zimbabwe. Beatrice sits on various boards.