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Chairperson, guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is rny privilege to address you on behalf of the honourable President Mandela, who is due to prior commitments and an extremely heavy schedule, unable to accept your invitation to officiate this International Conference.It is also a privilege to have various guests from abroad in our midst today. You are most welcome and I hope that you will enjoy your stay in South Africa. We are looking forward to receive your contributione. Although South Africa lacked international conduct in the past, we believe that we can make a significant contribution to ageing. We are prepared to share and compare our experiences regarding ageing with other countries in an effort to promote the well-being of older persons in our country and globally.
Ladles and gentlemen. Allow me to congratulate the Council on adopting the conference theme "Dynamic Ageing". This is a positive approach and creates the feeling that one can look forward to the laffer phase of life. A dynamic approach regarding being in South Africa is long overdue. A negative approach was prevalent for too long.

Thls theme definitely complements the transformation of the current dispensation for care of the aged in our country. As an important role player in our partnership, I wish to thank the Council for your contribution in attaining, as an end result, a successful transformation of the current dlspensation for older persons in our country.Tho optimal utilisatian of all human resourcers, as well as the wisdom, expertise and skills of older persons, is in my opinlon, a prerequisite for a winning nation. In this regard our President sets an excellent example of a so-called older person, who makes an important contribution towards the development of a new South African society.

The Government is responsible for policy on ageing. The Discussion Group on Ageing has made rapid progress with the consuitation of stake holders and older persons. The Government is aware that the increasing number of older persons in South Africa challenges us to plan for the future of our older people timeously and in a responsible manner.The Government is committed to promote and maintain the dignity, independence, participation and self-fulfilment of older persons. The Government will not. abdicate its responsibility to provide appropriate, affordable and cost-effective care and support to the frail, indigent and destitute older persons in low subsistence levels.The country cannot afford to be caught off guard with regard to the lack of efficient, affordable and accessible services. At this point of time I think it is relevant to express my gratitude to all role players, as well as older persons, for your participation in managing a change of direction and heading for a new dispensation regarding ageing in this country.

On behalf of our Yisitors I wish to brief you concisely on our country's aim with a new dispensation in our country, namely to provide accessible, affordable, equitable and cost-effective ser~ices to older persons in South Africa. We further envisage to empower older persons to continue making a meaningful and constructive contribution to society and to create a climate in which older persons are recognised as a source of potential and expertise.In 1990 almost half a billion people, representing 9% of the world's population, were over 60 years old. It is estimated that by the year 2030, the number will triple to 1,4 billion. lt is significant that it is expected that most of the growth will take place in developing countries.

According to the 1991 census statistics, there were 1,8 million persons older than 60 years ;n South Africa. It is estin ated that this number will increase to approximately 7,5 million by the year 2035, of which the majority will be older persons from developing and in many instances underprivileged and rural communities.In terms of physical, intellectual and mental capacities, today's 60 to 80 year old men and women are generally about ten years younger than their counterparts several decades ago. You will realise that among this group of people there is a vast source of energy, skills, expertise and knowledge. It is this group of people who can still accomplish various tasks, whether retired or not; older persons who promote cuitural values and make sure that the younger generation is conversant with it; older persons who care reveal, promote and utiiise the potential of their peers; older persons with a positive approach to life, that can encourage mutual respect between the different generations; and expand the field of action of older persons.

Since the introduction or the transformation process on ageing, I am so grateful to those older persons in our society who have indicated to me that they want to be useful to our society. In fact, those older persons practise what they preach. They made me aware that they set perfect examples of the approach of dynamic ageing in various communities. What is more - they involve other older persons within their communities to join them in the provision of selvices to counterparts which are not so fortunate. The challenge is, however, to create a clintate and oppurtunities for older persons to be useful after retirement, especially in a period where unemployment anlong the younger generation is rife.Instead of being considered as a burden, active older persons are full-fledged citizens of society, achieving self-fulfilment and experiencing dignified acceptance within the society. I wish to thank those older persons, who took the initiative, towards the building of bridges between the generations, in creating a new dispensation and n~tion building in this country.

The exclusive criterion of value for an active and a full-fledged citizen in our society is the ability to work and earn a living. Once a person is confronted with retirement, whether it be compelled according to age limitations or retrenchment, an attitude is promoted that they areuseless. Unfortunately this approach promotes isolation among retirees. But it is encouraging that a different school of thought has emanated, Older persons manage to start a second career or are inYolved as volunteers, utilising their skills, knowledge and expertise. Dynamic ageing is therefore put into action.For future planning cognisance should, howeYer, be taken of the trend that the group of persons aged 80 years plus, is increasing more rapidly than those in the age group between 65 and 80 years. This is a global phenomenon and a concern in all countries. It is estimated that the number of persons older than 80 years will increase dramatically in developing countries.

Globally it is estimated that the number of octogenarians will double in the more developed countries, increasing from 22 million to 46 million between 1980 and 2020. China for instance, has reported that their centenarians has increased with 37% since 1960. The reality is that persons in these age groups will more likely need assistance and care and place pressure on sen~ice providers.As I said earlier Government will not abdicate its responsibility towards the indigent, frail and destitute older persons without any support systems. The exploitation and abuse of older persons will. however, not be tolerated. even if it means that legislative measures will have to be considered. Older persons are an asset to society. All of us have a responsibility in restoring the confidence of this special qroup of persons.As partners, the private sector, comprising formal and informal welfare structures, have a co-responsibility to provide services to persons, in receipt of incomes below and above the minimal subsistence level and who cannot afford services.

JK Galbraith, at the age of 85 and doyen of liberal economists, said that "in the good society there must not be a deprived and excluded underclass. There must be full democratic participation by all, and from this alone can come the sense of community which accepts and values diversity".The total privatis~tion of existing facilittes, which were initially erected with GoYernment funds, can under no circumstances be considered and is non-negotiable. I consider privatisation under these circumstances as an abuse of public funds, inconsistent and indirectly a form of discrimination which cannot be tolerated. I acknowledge that there wiil always be a need to accommodate oJder persons who can afford services. Economic older persons make a valuable contribution to managenlents of homes with regard to financial short-falls for the care of older persons. Preferential admittance of eeonomic older persons at the expense of those who cannot afford services in order to avoid deficits, is unacceptable. Welfare organisations are therefore requested to adhere to the letter and spirit of the discounting agreement.

I consider the well ~eing of older persons as a priority In our soclety. All modern societies are confronted by the paradox of ~geing. I acknowledge that society is indirectly burdened by heavy tax levies. Despite the fact that older persons are a source of expertise and leadership, they are in ~any ways regarded as a burden to the economy, medical aid societies, health care deliver,r systems and the society in general.The Government is challenged to balance the obligations towards older persons in respect of the provision of essential social services, assistance and care to the needy as well as more privileged older persons in society.South Africa has celebrated Women's Day for the first time this year. I find it appropriate to acknowledge the role women have played in caring and supporting older persons in this country. It is generally accepted as a myth that famllies and extended families have dlsintegrated since urbanisation. Many women, families and volunteers still play a significant role in enabling and empowering older persons to remain in the comnlunity for as long as possible.

Women also play a significant role in establishing formal and informal suppo~ systems where it is most needed. I believe, that once deprived women have been empowered, they will also senre as safety and support nets within their communities.. The role of women should therefore never be underestimated. Especially their unselfish sacrifices regarding the well-being of communities, families and older persons. Women also play a sign;ficant role with regard to the caring of very old and frail persons.In the way forward precautions should be taken to prevent stress and burn-out among carers. Community-based support and care models should make provision for relief and supportive serv;ces to carers in the community. Respite care and support will enable carers to continue their supportive services. In doing so, the country can achieve the goal of enabling older persons to live in the community for as long as possible.

The challenges are now to let older persons preserYe their place in and alongside the nuclear or extended family of today, and to empower older persons to develop the perception that they can receive much from the nuclear and extended family; but in conclusion they are able to contribute even more.Once this approach has been established, older persons will never be alienated from the younger generation and society. Once their contributions to all aspects of life, are valued, I recognise that intricate intergenerational relationships will be exciting and challenging. Older persons will be valued as contributors, and accepted as part and parcel of an age-integrated community.

Once older persons are the actors regarding the planning of their own destiny and future, they will be treated with respect and dignity. Once older persons cease to be the passive audience, complaining and criticising regarding their well-being, and become involved, they will be valued. Let us therefore all strive to a positive approach such as Dynamic Ageing!In conclusion I wish to address the older persons exclusively. I wish to assure you that Government and society are committed to enable you, as respected citizens, to manage you~ own affairs. We will listen to your needs and plan accordingly. We will involve you in the formulation of policy regarding ageing. We are committed to eradicate the notion of isolating you once you have retired. The Government and its stakeholders wish to accept you as full fledged citizens in our society.With these few thoughts I declare this Conference officially opened. I wish you success on furthering the debate regarding Dynamic Ageing.
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