November 1, 2006
By Ndaba Dlamini
SPORTING their Sunday best, grannies from around Soweto thoroughly enjoyed themselves at a party thrown by Qhakaza, a women, youth and skills development organisation, as a token of appreciation for the old ladies' contribution to society.
The Christian Apostolic Church in Zion in Zondi, Soweto, was filled to capacity on Tuesday, 31 October with the excited chatter of party guests almost drowning out the sound system that was belting out golden oldies. Evidently it was an event not to be missed. Some came in wheelchairs, some hobbled in with their walking sticks and some were carried into the hall by relatives.
Grannies sing and dance
Esther Tshabalala, the organiser of the event, said the day was set aside to recognise the hard work of our mothers and grandparents in shaping and upholding the moral fibre of society.
"Grandparents today have to do more than baby-sit occasionally. They often play an important role in raising their grandchildren in these hard economic times when their mothers must work hard to help support their families."
They also played a special part in the liberation and building of South Africa during the apartheid era, according to Tshabalala. "They are also a source of original knowledge and South African history. They are today's multi-skilled celebrities and we must learn from them," she said.
"To restore their dignity" and give them a feeling of independence, Qhakaza initiated projects in Soweto and Orange Farm where pensioners could take part in economic and social activities.
"These include sewing, knitting, making iron covers, bead work, physical training and doing traditional dance and singing. As members of Qhakaza, in partnership with the Christian Apostolic Church in Zion, we would like to make this year a memorable one for them to celebrate in a special way," Tshabalala said.
The brainchild of the member of the mayoral committee for community development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, Qhakaza is based in Naledi Extension 2 and is one of 47 projects around the city under her wing.
Representing Mayathula-Khoza, the councillor for Ward 34, Lumka Sebe, commended Qhakaza for the event. "Such partnerships between the community and non-governmental organisations are vital for our development and wellbeing. I hope you will organise another dinner for the elderly because we are what we are because of them," she said.
After the formalities, it was time for the entertainment with choirs, Golden Oldies and Women of Destiny, children from a local crèche and a poet performing church hymns and traditional songs and dances.
For many, the party was an opportunity to meet long-lost friends and enjoy a day they could call their own. Gogo MaNgwenya, dressed in a traditional Swati outfit, said she enjoyed the day and hoped a Christmas party would be organised for them before the end of the year.
The highlight of the day was a parade competition where all grannies and a few grandpas present took part.
"I am reminded of parading during a beauty competition at Uncle Tom's Hall a long time ago when I was a teenager," said 64-year-old Lizzy Hlatshwayo as she joined the parade, which snaked outside into the church grounds. "Even though the strength is gone and I cannot prance and strut about with gay abandon, I feel 20 years younger today."
After the parade all waited with bated breath for the announcement of the winner as Tshabalala stepped up to the stage. "And the winner of the competition is all of you ladies. You are all so beautiful," she said.
Then it was time for lunch and many of the pensioners couldn't hide their excitement, happy to be acknowledged as important members of society.
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