Badisa’s FutureCare Conference, which took place on 4 and 5 September at the Dutch Reformed Church in Stellenberg, brought together key players from academia, government, the private sector, NGOs, and representatives of the elderly to tackle the pressing challenges in elderly care within South Africa. Highlights of the event included research presented by Mrs. Bridget Sleap from Human Rights Watch and Professor Elena Moore from the University of Cape Town on the rights of older persons in South Africa and understanding family care of older persons in the Southern African region.
South Africa’s elderly population is growing rapidly, with the number of people aged 60 and older projected to more than double over the next 24 years. This surge, combined with reduced government funding and growing financial strain on older persons and their families, has made it increasingly difficult to afford essential services. The introduction of the two-pot retirement system in September this year has further intensified this crisis, as funding decreases at a time when the need for support in elderly care is rising.
“This conference highlighted pressing concerns about the current state and long-term sustainability of support for our ageing population. With the evolving needs of a new generation of older persons, we need to adapt current care models and solutions to effectively care for our older persons in the future. Now, more than ever, it is imperative for communities to take ownership and collaborate through partnerships to ensure that our elderly are supported with dignity and care in the years to come,” says Basie van Wyk, CEO of Badisa.
The event was hosted by Badisa and Mr. Herman Grobler, Vice President and Head of Impact and Sustainability at Cipla, served as the programme director for the duration of the conference.
Human Rights and Funding Perspectives on Elderly Care
On the first day of the conference, Ms Bridget Sleap from the Human Rights Watch explored research findings on the rights of older people. “The challenges older people face in accessing care and support services represent a serious failure in upholding basic human rights. The rights of the elderly are too often deprioritised and not given the equal attention they deserve. We must view these issues through a human rights lens and hold governments accountable for their failure to protect the rights of older people, ensuring they receive the care, dignity, and respect they are entitled to”, says Sleap.
Prof Elena Moore, from the University of Cape Town outlined the Family Caregiving Programme’s research findings on the funding of elderly care in South Africa. Says Moore, “”Most elderly care in South Africa takes place within homes, making it crucial to understand the role of family caregiving and what the government is doing to support these families. It’s not just about caring for older people; it’s about the broader care economy, which encompasses families, relationships, and the systems that support them. According to experts involved in elderly care, what’s missing is a coordinated approach across government departments. While the Department of Social Development (DSD) has the mandate to implement the Older Persons Act, other departments must also prioritise the needs of older people to ensure a comprehensive support system.”
The discussion continued to emphasise the importance of future planning, with Mr. Gavin Muller representing the Western Cape DSD. He shared data on the demographic realities of the Western Cape region, highlighting the growing elderly population and the challenges it presents.
Ms. Civil Legodu and Ms. Patiswa Momoza, both representatives from DSD, elaborated on the role of national and provincial government in addressing challenges including legislation, the establishment of norms and standards, government footprint in elderly care, funding mechanisms, and the importance of compliance to ensure that the needs of older people are met effectively.
To demonstrate the minimum cost of service delivery to older persons in South Africa, Ms Helet Malherbe, Director of Finance and Administration at Badisa presented the latest data regarding the fees associated with residential care and home-based care for the elderly.
The afternoon session for day one of the conference proceedings brought together diverse perspectives on elderly care, featuring insights from various sectors. Ms. Femada Shamam described the non-governmental organisations’ (NGO) perspective, highlighting the crucial role of non-profit organisations in supporting elderly care initiatives. Mr Holtman Taute offered a private sector viewpoint, discussing the business community’s involvement and responsibilities. Additionally, Mr. Herman Grobler addressed the importance of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in improving care for older persons, while Dr. Sebastiana Kalula shared her expertise on healthcare, emphasising the medical challenges and needs of South Africa’s ageing population.
Collaborative discussions highlight sustainable, community-based elderly care solutions
On the second day of the conference, attendees engaged in collaborative discussions and brainstorming sessions focused on finding solutions to critical issues in elderly care. Key topics included the financing of services, affordability, sustainability, and solidarity within the care sector. Participants also explored ways to enhance cooperation between key role players, including NGOs, the private sector, and businesses, to strengthen the service delivery footprint. Discussions covered the future of institutional care and the potential for community-based models, as well as the importance of training, capacity building, and wellness programs. The use of technology in improving care and support services was also a major focus, highlighting innovative approaches for the future.
The insights presented by the groups after their discussions clearly emphasise the need for a shift toward community-based, sustainable care models for the elderly, distinguishing between essential needs over wants, the importance of intergenerational support and education, collaboration between sectors, and the inclusion of older people in decisions about their own care, while highlighting the gap between legislation and real-world needs.
Some poignant remarks include:
“We must return to the basics by creating homes, not hospitals or institutions, for our elderly.”
“It’s time to shift our mindset—focusing on what is truly needed, rather than simply what we want.”
“We need to reconnect with grassroots education, instilling values in children. Elders play a vital role in guiding the next generation, providing them with a stable foundation of life values for the future.”
“The future of elderly care lies in community-based models. It’s crucial to explore sustainable solutions for community-centred care that support the elderly.”
“It’s time to share resources and move from competition to collaboration across sectors—public, private, and government—for the greater good.”
“Bridging the knowledge and skills gap between generations is essential for future growth.”
“Current legislation doesn’t reflect the realities on the ground.”
“Older people must be actively included in conversations about their care and needs.”
During her closing remarks, Ronel van Zyl, Director of Social Services at Badisa, reiterated the importance for organisations to each evaluate for themselves what more can be done, and what needs to change in their own processes and structure to improve elderly care in South Africa.
“As a sector, we must adopt a collaborative mindset—relying on government alone for more funding or solutions is not feasible. DSD must take the lead in bringing sectors together at both local and provincial levels to initiate these critical conversations. There is much work to be done, and it’s time to take action,” says van Zyl.
At the conclusion of the conference, a task team was formed to develop an action plan based on the insights and ideas shared throughout the two-day event.
For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.badisa.org.za or email wterblanche@badisa.org.za
