Seniors do it for themselves

Tsakani – A group of retired professionals reunited to establish the PUL/POL Pensioners Club on Tuesday.

“In those days, your superior would sign your pass (ID book) when you get a job. And Johnathan Mdhluli signed mine. I will never forget him,” explains Khosi Buthelzi, a retired administrative clerk.

Buthelzi and her peers met while all employed at Pollak Park Hospital in the 70s and 80s. They moved to Pholosong Hospital in 1992.

“We worked and spent so much time together. We became a family. Today, we are old and have lost many of those we cared about.

“We need to make this a solid organisation so we can care for each other,” she continued.

Established by Angie Petlela a few months ago, the club is already more than 70 members strong.

“I just got the passion to bring everyone together because I remembered how close we were at work. I remembered everything we used to do together, and now we are like strangers. It did not sit well with me.

“So, I started asking around and connecting with those I could find. Eventually, word spread and we all agreed this organisation is what we need,” explained Petlela.

Petlela retired in 2022. Understanding that the group comprises pensioners, one of their priorities is to have bereavement contributions when a member passes on.

“The response has been overwhelming. I think it will keep us young,” Petlela added.

The group’s chairperson, Busi Monyai, said some of them had been friends for over 30 years while working at the hospitals.

“We spent more time together than we did with our families at some point,” she added.

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