AMID key amendments to the Older Persons Bill which came into effect on November 6, The Association for The Aged (Tafta) has officially launched its “Sisonke – We Are Together” campaign with the aim of mobilising support for older persons across South Africa.

The Older Persons Amendment Act, 2025 (Act No. 01 of 2025), signed on November 3 and gazetted three days later, allows for the emergency removal to temporary safe care without a court order for persons aged 60 and above. It also mandates action against abuse and ageism, and to improve service monitoring.

Tafta said all of this will greatly improve the safety, dignity, care, and connection for older persons. “Ageing is everyone’s journey, and no older person should ever feel forgotten or unsupported,” said Tafta CEO Femada Shamam as the organisation marches with the campaign.

She praised the changes to the Act which enables urgent protective interventions without court orders, strengthens compliance measures, and promotes holistic, equitable care. “The recent amendments provide stronger protections and improved access to care. Sisonke builds on this momentum by mobilising communities, partners, and supporters to act together, showing up in small, meaningful ways to ensure every older person can live with dignity,” said Shamam.

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The Sisonke campaign will guide Tafta’s awareness, fundraising, and engagement activities throughout 2026, highlighting the contributions of elders, youth, families, partners, donors, and government in creating a society where care is shared and sustained.

“The campaign also reminds us that we will all grow older one day and highlights the importance of building age-friendly communities today while preparing for an age-ready society tomorrow. Through Sisonke, we encourage both compassion in action and responsibility in motion, together with all care partners,” said Shamam.

For more information on Sisonke and to join the movement, follow Tafta on social media to see how you can respond to calls for action that make a real difference in the lives of older persons. For more information on Sisonke and to join the movement, follow Tafta on social media to see how you can respond to calls for action that make a real difference in the lives of older persons.

Tafta’s Toll-free National Elder Abuse Helpline is 0800 10 11 10, or email  help@tafta.org.za, or WhatsApp 072 459 2613.

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