Mayor and Premier give the aged a special Christmas treat

14 December 2015

 

They all came dressed to the nines – from head to toe, florsheim shoes and Viyella shirts were on show, as were Stetson hats and Dobshire pants.

 

Equally exquisitely dressed were the ladies, with divine hairstyles to boot. It was Sophiatown re-enacted, in colour, radiance and splendour.

The occasion was a special Christmas lunch for Soweto’s senior citizens jointly hosted by Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Councillor Parks Tau, and Gauteng Premier David Makhura at two venues – the Soweto Old Age Home in White City Jabavu and the Orlando East Communal Hall – on Friday December 11.

In the words of the City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Councillor Nonceba Molwele, the lunch was to thank senior citizens for “laying a firm foundation for South Africa’s liberation”.

“I know we do not say it often enough, but you fought a good fight and now we, as your children and grandchildren, are enjoying the fruits of your tough labour. Today’s function is to say thank you for your sacrifices. It was not in vain. As the City of Johannesburg and the province of Gauteng, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being our guiding light in all we have been doing to make this city and the country an inclusive and democratic place,” she said.

More than 1 600 elders were feted and spoilt rotten by the Executive Mayor and Premier on the day – 118 in White City Jabavu and 1 500 in Orlando East. In White City Jabavu the gogos and mkhulus were pleasantly surprised when they arrived at the hall to find it had been extensively transformed to resemble a top-class restaurant.
The Mayor and Premier spread the festive season cheer as they showered them with eats and treats.

Premier Makhura told the senior citizens, whom he referred to as VIPs, that they still mattered even though they were in the twilight years.

“During our recent Ntirhisano service delivery outreach programme, you complained about the government not including you in its programmes. Next year, we are going to hold an imbizo just for you. You’re not forgotten. I’m going to make you my priority until 2019 [when my term comes to an end]. It can’t be right that we value you when you are still active and not when you are old,” the Premier said.

Ninety-six-year-old Rosina Mosetogi, in a blue and white chiffon dress, black beret and matching shoes, was one of the gogos who packed the Orlando East Comminal Hall.

“This is the first time I’m being honoured like this,” she said as her voice was drowned out by sounds of a brass band playing at the door to welcome Makhura and Cllr Tau. I had never met the Premier or the Mayor before. It’s a great day today,” she said.

There was a festive atmosphere both outside and inside the hall, with everyone involved doing their best to spread the Christmas cheer. Mayor Tau was met with loud cheers as he ascended the stage to address them.

“Apart from coming here to thank you, our elders, we are also here for selfish reasons –to get your blessings,” he quipped. He promised to return in the New Year to discuss with them the City’s programmes aimed at helping senior citizens. Among them would be healthy ageing and tax rebates. Both Mayor Tau and Premier Makhura encouraged the elders to eat healthy, exercise and report abuse by family members.The presents included groceries, toiletries and blankets.

Visually impaired Naledi Ntame, 71, of Snake Park, was grateful for the presents.

“Bless the Mayor and Premier for their generosity. It’s going to be a great Christmas. It’s the first time I’ve been honoured like this,” she said.