The Mahikeng Senior Citizens Forum in NMM District Northwest Province had their quarterly meeting on the 17th April 2026, that was graced by the presence other Mayor and members of the council. In support of the forum, the MMC from Municipality Special Programmes addressed the forum and emphasised that the older persons are the engine of any Municipality and government, without the older people the country is doomed.

In Setswana idioms it is clearly stated that “letlhaku le lesha le agelelwa mo go la bogologolo”. She indicated that municipal offices are open and will engage with the Municipal Steering Committees in the Mayor’s office to support the forum initiatives and assist the forum in making sure that all 35 wards in Mahikeng establish and launch older persons forums.

The MLMSCF Chairperson highlighted the SAOPF organogram, explained the roles of the Municipality in support of the forum and furthermore made presentations on the feedback regarding the UN open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group attended in Geneva (UN IGWG) in February 2026. In conclusion members of the forum were reminded about submission of inputs regarding the SAOPF Framework Architecture and guiding principles of the legal instruments to inform ongoing deliberation and negotiations.