A group of seniors put another tough year behind them with some fun and games at a community hall in Khayelitsha last week.
Masibathande Senior Citizens in Action, led by the club’s founder, Thembi Gecelo and Pastor Nobandla Vabaza, held a parade, showing off their traditional attire, at the Bosasa Community Hall and took part in several other activities.
Ms Gecelo said they had to celebrate to thank the Lord for the seniors’ lives after two very difficult years with the pandemic.
“Everything feels different in the past two years. We are living an abnormal life. It was for this and other reasons that we held the tradition of celebrating the year like this. We are glad the year is over, even though we are still uncertain about other things. But these seniors managed to get to this stage. I’m just so glad to see them alive and happy,” she said.
Seniors played games, ran around and laughed all the way through the games.
But Ms Gecelo worries that the seniors will find themselves alone during the festive season. She urged them not to hesitate to call for help if they needed it.
“Remember some are alone with no family members. Others are only staying with grandchildren. That is the biggest challenge we face when it comes to seniors. But they know what to do if they are facing problems at home. I am always available for them,” she said.
Reverend Vabaza encouraged the seniors to be strong during the pandemic. The year had hurt everyone, but they should be grateful to be alive, she said.
“This end of the year celebration does not mean Thembi is chasing you away. She is saying go have good close families. But if you feel like talking to us all, we are available. Things are not normal, we need to be strong.”
Seniors Sara Martinus and Nomndungayi Bhawuti said they were looking forward to meeting again next year.
At the end of the function, the seniors enjoyed tasty foods and received gifts.