Inner city’s elderly get a special Christmas treat
15-12-2014
Three Johannesburg inner city councillors made more than 200 old timers and old ladies very happy at the weekend.
Ward 123 Councillor Mzwandile Tyobeka and two of his colleagues – Councillor Francina Mashao (Ward 59) and Councillor Takalani Munyai (Ward 63) – gave the senior citizens a Christmas treat of a special kind at Lapeng Recreation Centre in Joubert Park on Saturday.
Before the oumas and oupas tucked in their sumptuous Christmas breakfast and received their gifts, they had a chance to have their diabetes, blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol levels checked.
Those with elevated readings were quickly attended to and handed packets of tablets to help regulate their conditions. Others were given referral letters to have them checked by doctors at the City of Johannesburg’s other healthcare facilities.
After that they took part in a 5km fun walk. They had to walk around the park in batches five times – chatting and laughing.
The slower ones limped along and after a couple of rounds sat on benches and continued exchanging stories about their grandchildren and the enduring pains that come with old age.
“This is very refreshing, but my arthritis has flared up. I can’t continue walking,” said Ellen Motaung, 60, of Hillbrow. “They should have told us that we were going to walk, we would have worn takkies.”
Clad in a branded orange T-shirt handed to everyone on arrival, Motaung was very happy her blood pressure and cholesterol levels were normal.
“I’m very happy the City is doing this. It shows it cares for us pensioners. It’s my first time doing this and I ‘m impressed,” she added.
That was even before she and others were handed their Christmas goodies. After lunch, every one received a 20-piece dinner set and a vegetable hamper from the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market.
Mboniseni Nala, 59, was a bit worried that his BP was high. He took the tablets he had just been handed.
“The nurses gave me a referral. I have to go to the doctor first thing on Monday before I go to work. They also gave me a letter to take to my employers,” Nala said.
Nala was glad he came and said he would get all his treatment requirements before he goes on holiday on Friday.
Emma Ngwenya-Maseko, 55, who works as a domestic helper nearby, was passing through the park when she saw the throngs of grannies milling around.
“I didn’t know what was happening but I’m glad I came. This is a great thing the City is doing. I just wish they could also do HIV-Aids tests because this environment is not as intimidating as that in crowded hospitals.”
Councillor Tyobeka said: “We’re very happy with the turnout. We expected between 100 and 150 people, instead 200 showed up. We have our partners here as well, including the Department of Home Affairs, which is giving the grannies information about abridged birth certificates for the children they care for and smart card IDs.”
The nurses next door, at the Joubert Park Clinic, stood ready to help with cervical and prostate cancer screening.
They were happy that most of the tests showed a healthy bunch of pensioners.
“Most of you are very healthy. The few of you who had higher readings were given medicines to regulate your BP. Those of you who were given referrals to see doctors on Monday, please do go and have those checked. These services are offered to you for free, please utilise them,” said Sister Nobom Bomsi.
“This is the only way we can keep you healthy. I also want to encourage you to exercise. Some of you live in flats. Take the stairs instead of the lift. When you go shopping downtown, walk there and take the taxi on your way back. Eat plenty of vegetables. Cut down on junk food, and salt and oily foods, they are unhealthy. Even in the flats you live in you can have fresh veggies – plant them in old tyres or 20-litre buckets.”
Ziyaad Seedat of City Waldorf, which provides accommodation to 3 000 university students, was a big hit with the crowd.
Earlier, he had walked around the park with them. Then he led a few aerobics exercises in the hall. When it was later announced that he had sponsored the presents, they loved him more – clapping and ululating in appreciation.
Gogo Miriam Belang, 71, of New Doornfontein, was all smiles as she was handed her dinner set and vegetables.
“I’m very happy. These councillors are very caring,” she said.
Sixty-four-year-old Abigail Grobler, who lives across the road, was very grateful. So was Saul Lerutle, 90, who said his trip from New Doornfontein had been worthwhile.
Brigadier Vakile Ntandane, head of the Hillbrow Police Station, encouraged the pensioners to report suspicious activities. He gave them his cell number and told them to call him anytime.
Those who attended were from wards 59, 63 and 123 – half of the inner city area.
Councillor Tyobeka said more activities were planned.
“This was our third and last event of the year. It’s an initiative of our regional director (Irene Mafune). Next year we will tackle several issues. This will be extended to wards 61, 65, 118 and hostels in the east.
The pensioners also enjoyed maskandi music by Ma-Thousand and his group of dancers.