Students treat Samora Machel seniors

Seniors were treated to fun and entertainment by the students.

A group of six university students took some time to entertain and feed senior citizens in Samora Machel.

The students held a fun cultural event on Saturday August 26 at the Catholic Welfare Development Hall.

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students together with other organised groups performed music and poems.

Their programme also included plays and games.The Masakhane Event Company, which is run by second year tourism students, decorated the tables and provided snacks and breakfast from as early as 9am for the seniors.

Siphamandla Sasi, a financial administrator, said the group decided to treat the seniors to live entertainment, motivational speakers, snacks, games and other interesting activities.

“We looked around and felt Samora Machel was the ideal place. The hall that we have always caters for seniors. These are valuable people to us. These are people that have taken us from childhood to where we are today. They need to feel special,” he said.

He said although this was their first project, many more would follow.

Organiser Amanda Mahlanyana said some residents also helped organise the event.

She thanked the seniors and the residents for their participation.

Ms Mahlanyana said most seniors are all alone at their homes and have no one to look after or entertain them.

She said there are lots of fun activities for seniors to enjoy but they needed to be brought to them.

“The group was fantastic. The smiles on the faces said it all. We not only gave them food but made them play games and sing. It was a cultural event so we also sang some traditional renditions and they did so too. It is always interesting to have an event with our elderly people,” she said.

Seniors Nozonke Munda and Nontuthuzelo Mani both agreed that it is not every day that you come across children who has such a love for seniors.

“I was not even sure why they called us here on a Saturday but I do not regret having to come here. I feel special. It is rare that young people look after us,” said Ms Munda.

For Ms Mani, the day was “too short”.

She said she always loved going to the hall but Saturday’s event made it even more pecial.

“Our grandchildren treated us with care and love. They made us feel good. It has been a long time since we have seen children dedicating their time to us. These young people could have decided to go enjoy themselves in better places but they chose us.

“If they say we are special, I also believe they are special too,” she said.