Nomalanga Magona, a 72-year-old resident of Gugulethu in Cape Town, has been selected to represent the Western Cape at the National Golden Games. According to AllAfrica, she will travel to Bloemfontein alongside 15 other provincial representatives to compete in various sports codes. The annual government initiative convenes citizens aged 60 and older from all nine provinces for a program that includes traditional indigenous games and physical activities.
Magona joined the local Sunflower Senior Club in 2024 following her retirement as a clerk at the Department of Home Affairs. She recently won the 100m run at a local sports tournament held at the NY49 Gugulethu stadium, marking her second consecutive victory in that event. AllAfrica reported that this upcoming national competition will be the first time she competes at that level. The local tournament featured participants from senior clubs in communities including Khayelitsha, Masiphumelele, Athlone, Heideveld, Langa, and Gugulethu.
The Gugulethu Sport Council organized the local event to encourage active living among senior citizens, coinciding with national Older Persons month. Miranda Mfeketho, the council’s vice chairperson, noted that funding constraints made the organization challenging, but the council successfully secured support from various organizations and businesses. The council began hosting this annual event in 2025. The day included entertainment from a DJ and dance performances, aiming to provide a day of enjoyment for the participants.
Magona, who manages diabetes through regular activity, said the events help elderly people manage chronic illnesses. She plans to use the few days before the national games to prepare, expressing excitement about meeting seniors from other provinces. The National Golden Games are scheduled to take place from 29 October to 1 November. Magona lives in Gugulethu with her older sister and regularly walks with a group of ladies during the summer. Her club activities include sewing, knitting, crocheting, and exercises.