As the world marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, attention is turning to the safety, dignity, and rights of older persons across Africa. Observed this year under the United Nations theme, "Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work," the day highlights the urgent need to move from raising awareness to implementing practical measures that prevent abuse and protect vulnerable seniors. Across the continent, rapid urbanisation, economic pressures, and changing family structures are placing increasing strain on traditional support systems that once safeguarded older people. While African societies have historically revered elders as custodians of wisdom, history, and spiritual heritage, many now face emotional, financial, and physical abuse, often in silence and with limited access to protection or justice. Speaking to Tsepiso Makwetla, Dr Nokuzola Mndende, a respected scholar of African Traditional Religion and Indigenous Knowledge Systems, reflected on the importance of restoring respect for elders while adapting cultural values to contemporary realities. She is also the Founder of the Icamagu Heritage Institute 

<p data-start="82" data-end="490">As the world marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, attention is turning to the safety, dignity, and rights of older persons across Africa. Observed this year under the United Nations theme, <strong data-start="279" data-end="338">"Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work,"</strong> the day highlights the urgent need to move from raising awareness to implementing practical measures that prevent abuse and protect vulnerable seniors. Across the continent, rapid urbanisation, economic pressures, and changing family structures are placing increasing strain on traditional support systems that once safeguarded older people. While African societies have historically revered elders as custodians of wisdom, history, and spiritual heritage, many now face emotional, financial, and physical abuse, often in silence and with limited access to protection or justice. Speaking to Tsepiso Makwetla, Dr Nokuzola Mndende, a respected scholar of African Traditional Religion and Indigenous Knowledge Systems, reflected on the importance of restoring respect for elders while adapting cultural values to contemporary realities. She is also the Founder of the&nbsp;Icamagu Heritage Institute&nbsp;</p>