December 7, 2005
By Tammy O'Reilly
IN appreciation of the contribution that the elderly have made to society, Executive Mayor Councillor Amos Masondo yesterday hosted 550 senior citizens to a sumptuous lunch, entertainment and goody bags.
Joburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo greets his guests
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
Dressed in their best, old folk from various organisations and homes were bussed in from the City's 11 regions to the cheerfully decorated Sisulu Hall in Randburg for an early Christmas lunch.
The afternoon was sponsored by Pick 'n Pay and the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market. Dairy company Clover supplied hampers of dairy products for everyone.
But before the lunch, of lamb, chicken, rice, potatoes and vegetables, could be served, Masondo spoke to his guests.
"The elderly may be the most vulnerable but are also the people who form the foundation of our society. It is from the elderly that we learn our values and our history. We value your experience and wisdom," he said.
He also acknowledged the challenges facing old people, like poverty, homelessness, inactivity and loneliness and the burden of raising grandchildren whose parents have died of Aids-related illnesses.
The City attempted to deal with these challenges by providing free water and electricity and no rate charges on properties valued at less than R20 000. It also had a Special Cases Policy for the poor, infirm and unemployed.
Each region also had a mandate to support senior citizen organisations in their area. Region 3, for example, supported the Tswelopele Club for the Aged by providing recreation and educational programmes for the elderly.
Other regions involved senior citizens in income-generating programmes like soup kitchens and making arts and crafts.
"Our approach is to see the elderly as equal to all other residents but needing help from time to time. We will continue to offer this help and do all we can to provide the necessary support," Masondo said, before everyone tucked into the hearty meal.
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