In the spirit of love and care for senior citizens, a special winter event was hosted at the Zolani Centre on Thursday May 30.
The event, organised by Nyanga police, the Nyanga Community Policing Forum and Gift of the Givers, saw nearly 200 seniors going home with gifts – and happy hearts – after having enjoyed a meal.
Each speaker delivered a message emphasising that seniors should be recognised for their wisdom and their love for their children and grandchildren.
The speakers also urged residents to do something special for the elderly during winter.
Nyanga SAPS station commander Brigadier Vuyisile Ncata said they invited the seniors because they were often forgotten in their communities, despite still having a vital role to play in society. “To us you are important because we are your children. You still guide and discipline us and your grandchildren,” he said.
He also urged them to form senior clubs in their communities. “It is good to be organised so that the government can reach you with ease. We also need to have a special desk at the police station for you. But I can assure you that we will have that desk because you are special,” he concluded.
Community police forum chairman Buyisle Makasi called on the seniors to actively engage and teach young people values.
Mr Makasi said it was important that seniors were taken care of, particularly during the cold winter months, and he urged them to stay home and keep warm.
He also encouraged them to hold on to hope, even when circumstances seemed dire. “Let us not defend our grandchildren when they falter but let us work together and with the police to help them.
“Let us encourage them to get an education and be disciplined. Let us stop attack on ambulances. Let us give them good messages,” he appealed.