Elders in Ekurhuleni share talent during concert in KwaThema
“This allows you to interact and engage with people your own age so that you don’t become frustrated about being alone during the day.”
KwaThema – KwaThema Community Hall was a hive of activity as elders from Ekurhuleni and surrounds gathered there on Wednesday to put on a concert.
This was one of the monthly concerts the groups host across the municipality to raise funds for their centres.
The groups of elderly residents performed choral music and drama on stage, entertaining the audience.
Event organiser Moniccah Kgoloane says the initiative was started 10 years ago to help raise funds to sustain their centres.
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“All the areas in Ekurhuleni except Tembisa and Daveyton are participating in the fund-raising concert.
“The money raised on the day through tickets, food and performances goes to the host group.
“Through the years we have been able to buy equipment and uniforms for the groups through the initiative,” she says.
Moniccah says they are encouraging elders to participate in the groups in their areas.
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“These initiatives were formed to keep the pensioners active during the day.
“We understand they are frustrated about their new lifestyle because most of them worked most of their lives and now don’t have anything to do.
“This allows you to interact and engage with people your own age so that you don’t become frustrated about being alone during the day,” she says.
Team member Maria Nkosi says she joined the group in 2014.
“I struggled with depression and high blood pressure.
“A friend told me about the group of elders who meet daily to exercise and do handwork in the area.
“I immediately decided to join the team and have never looked back.
“I am healthy and no longer stress about being lonely and cooped up inside while everyone seems to be going on with their lives,” she says.
Ward 78 councillor Zanele Nyakale says they are encouraging the residents to support initiatives by the elders.
“They showed us they still have it in them to participate even though they are elderly,” she says.
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