MMC pays tribute to mums at City’s Mother’s Day concert
15 May 2017
Agroup of 30 grandmothers was the centre of attention during a Mother’s Day Concert at the Johannesburg Zoo on Sunday March 14 when the City of Johannesburg pampered them with goodies in recognition of the significant roles they played in their families and communities.
The concert – in its 25th year – put together by Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo (JCPZ) in partnership with Hot FM and leading TV station e.tv, featured well-known acts such as Afro-pop sensation Vusi Nova, pop rock band Watershed and folk rock singer Louis Carver.
The inclement and gloomy weather that enveloped Johannesburg since Friday night failed to stop the artists from serenading the mothers, who had come in their numbers for the annual celebration of motherhood. The “old ladies” were JCPZ’s special guests on the day.
Vusi Nova had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand with his soulful performance of well-known hits such as I’d Rather Go Blind and Ndikuthandile from his latest album, Naninina.
The senior citizens – who belong to Adopt-An-Elder, a Berea-based non-governmental organisation formed by teacher Nikiwe Bam in March this year – were presented with blankets and snack packs. They danced and ululated in jubilation as City officials individually wrapped them in their brand new blankets.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba said mothers were caregivers who gave selflessly.
“It gives me great pleasure to address the custodians of families – mothers, grandmothers and caregivers – who give so much and so selflessly to so many every day, 365 days a year. Your role in the beautiful city has not gone unnoticed,” she said.
“You are what makes Joburg great. And I appeal to you to continue to be role models to our children. Make them conscious of how littering is unhealthy and can impact on the environment and economy of our city. Advise them to protect public spaces.
“Let them know that they need to be respectful of fellow citizens and as future custodians of the environment, they need to protect and preserve our wildlife.”
Bam said her organisation was all about promoting ubuntu by taking care of the aged. “We formed this organisation so we could take the gogos out and visit them at their homes because many are lonely and live alone. They don’t have anyone to socialise with. When we got this opportunity we felt we had to use it. Usually, the elders are taken by families to parks to have a good time.
“They are excited to be here and have been having a great time. We are going to have volunteers who will from time to time visit them in their homes, clean for them and check if they are sticking to doctors’ orders,” said Bam.
Watershed closed off the concert with hits such as Ingido and Letter, which were popular with the crowd.
Mother’s Day is an international day commemorated on May 14 to celebrate the influence and contribution of mothers to society.