29/09/2026
AN AWARENESS ON ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA FOR OLDER PERSONS.
The Free State Department of Social Development, through the Mangaung Metro Older Persons Directorate, commemorated World Alzheimer’s Day on 29 September 2026 at Ikgomotseng Community Hall in Soutpan. The event brought together community members, government stakeholders and organisations to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and to promote greater understanding and support for people affected by these conditions.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome by the Programme Director, Ms Deborah Makaula, who welcomed all stakeholders, community members and participants to the awareness event. She emphasised the importance of bringing communities and service providers together to strengthen awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia, while ensuring that older persons are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
The purpose of the day was outline the importance of increasing awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, particularly within communities where early signs and symptoms may not always be recognised. The awareness initiative encouraged community members to seek information and appropriate assistance when concerns arise, while promoting early identification, support and access to relevant services.
The message, *”The earlier you know, the more you can do”* reinforced the importance of recognising changes early and ensuring that individuals and families are connected to the appropriate support systems.
The Department acknowledged the valuable partnership and contribution of the Free State Department of Health, which plays an important role in addressing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia through health education, early identification, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, referral and ongoing management. Collaboration between Social Development and Health remains essential in ensuring that older persons and their families receive comprehensive and appropriate support.
The Department also acknowledged Tlhabologang Organisation and ADASA (Alzheimer’s Dementia Association of South Africa) for their valuable participation and contribution to the awareness programme. Their involvement highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, community-based organisations and specialist organisations in strengthening public awareness, challenging stigma and supporting people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as their families and caregivers.
The event was also characterised by the purple theme, which is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s awareness. The colour serves as a symbol of awareness, solidarity and support for people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as well as their families and caregivers. Wearing purple and incorporating the colour into awareness activities helps spark conversations, challenge stigma and remind communities that people affected by dementia deserve understanding, compassion and support.
World Alzheimer’s Day provided an important platform for the Free State Department of Social Development to strengthen community awareness and encourage meaningful collaboration in supporting older persons. The Department continues to advocate for the rights, dignity, well-being and social inclusion of older persons, recognising that supporting older people requires a coordinated approach involving government, families, communities, civil society and service providers.
The message from the day remains clear: *the earlier we know, the more we can do.* Through increased awareness, early action and stronger community support, we can contribute towards creating an environment where people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are treated with dignity and are not left behind.
Building a Caring Society. Together.
