City honours its centenarians
16 April 2015
The City of Johannesburg took time out on Wednesday to thank its senior citizens for making the city great through their selfless contribution throughout the years.
A feast fit for kings and queens was held at the Walter Sisulu Hall in Randburg.
The event is the brainchild of Executive Mayor Councillor Mpho Parks Tau and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development Councillor Nonceba Molwele, who delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Mayor.
The senior citizens – some of whom are 100 years old and above – were treated to a feast of choral and gospel music by the Johannesburg Choir Forum for the Aged and a sumptuous lunch. They were later awarded certificates of recognition and presented with blankets ahead of the chilly wintry months.
The toasts of the centenary recipients were Johannes Mdelwa Nkosi, who celebrated his 105th birthday on January 22 in Alexandra and Florina Mofokeng, who celebrated her 103rd birthday on January 1 near Lanseria Airport
Mofokeng, who lives with her six children and 17 grandchildren, thanked God for keeping her strong and healthy.
She attributed her longevity to her humbleness and show of love and respect throughout her life. She boasted that she could still sweep and knit for her grandchildren. However, she said cooking was her least favourite chore.
MMC Molwele thanked the main sponsors, Al Imdaad Foundation, a non-profit organisation; the South African National Civic Organisation; and ward councillor David Potter for their contribution to making the event a success.
“Age comes with wisdom and responsibility. Today we are here to remind our elderly that they are special and important to us. So many households are headed by the elderly. You are the most vulnerable and abused people in the community. But we are here with you today to say we love you and to show you that you are part of us. Without you, there is no us and that means there is no future,” the MMC said.
Wandile Zwane, the Executive Head of Social Development, said the event highlighted the City’s commitment to supporting the elderly.
Zwane said his department provided a wide range of services to senior citizens, such as wellness programmes, advice on healthy living and awareness on social grants and human rights issues.
He said the City was also responsible for the management of a number of old age homes and retirement villages and provided support and advice to welfare organisations that offered special services, such as home-based care.