Older persons within the South African context are faced with unique challenges, given the history of the country which is characterised by the apartheid system and currently by triple challenges of poverty, high levels of unemployment and inequalities coupled with the social breakdown of families, communities and society with the persistence of social injustices and adversities, despite the country being in its 31 years of democracy. Old age and dependency on others for their survival increases vulnerability for older persons thus critical for the country’s legislative framework to prioritise the protection of older persons. Against this backdrop, South Africa, in its efforts to create opportunities and addressing the challenges facing its older persons developed an older persons Policy and Legislation based on the Constitution of South Africa, the priorities of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), as well as the African Union Policy Framework on Ageing. To evaluate how South African policy and legislation frameworks evolved and implemented as well as to reflect on the Implementation Evaluation study and the lessons learned, this literature review draws on the implementation of the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 as well as the process undertaken for the review of the Act into the Older Persons Amendment Bill, B11D of 2022 conducted by the South African National Department of Social Development for recommendations.

Ms Naomi Maloba is a Social Work, Policy and Legislation Specialist within the National Department of Social Development in South Africa with 26 years in practice and management. Over the past 26 years, Ms Maloba has worked on a variety of professional capacities as a social worker, community developer, HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Researcher and Policy Developer. Ms Maloba took a lead in overseeing development, design and implementation of strategic plans, policies and legislation, project and programme management, research, monitoring and evaluation working with HIV/AIDS, children, women, adults, and older persons programmes. She managed programmes and projects in the NPO sector and public sector at both provincial and national level at junior level, middle management and senior management level. Her qualifications include Masters of Commerce (Industrial and Organizational Psychology – UP), Masters of Management (Public and Development Management – WITS Business School), B.Com Hon (Industrial and Organizational Psychology – UNISA) )(Cum Laude), BA Social Science (Social Work) Honours and Advanced Project Management Programme (UNISA School of Business Leadership), and currently pursuing her PhD studies in (Industrial and Organisational Psychology-UP). Ms Maloba’s current job includes development and review of Policy and Legislation for Older Persons, facilitation and management of the implementation of the legislative frameworks, capacity building of stakeholders, development of tools and guidelines to guide and monitor the implementation of Older Persons Act and legislative frameworks by all stakeholders and consultation thereof.