Senior citizen receives surprise visit and gifts from First Lady
Mrs Zhu said the gifts were a token of appreciation of the senior citizens.
The Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation, together with the Africa Chinese Women Association, recently paid a visit to the De Wetshof Retirement Village in Kensington.
Residents of the home were surprised with a visit from the first lady, Dr Bongi Ngema-Zuma.
In addition, the senior citizens also received blankets and gift packs from the Africa Chinese Women Association.
Dr Ngema- Zuma addressed the elderly about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
“We encourage those who are already exercising to continue and those who have not started to do so as it is good for their health.
“Even if is taking a walk in the garden, it is a form of exercise,” she said.
Her emphasis was placed on elderly residents who take chronic medication.
“Residents who take chronic medication should also eat healthy and those who do not take chronic medication should aim to stay healthy” said Dr Ngema-Zuma.
The Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation was established in memory of her late mother and aims to focus on mitigating the impact of diabetes in South Africa.
The foundation also supports general healthcare initiatives in vulnerable communities.
Much of its work is aimed at educating women and children in particular, and at donating resources in areas where they are most needed.
Dr Ngema-Zuma also took the opportunity to thank the president of the Africa Chinese Woman Association, Mrs Anita Zhu, for the organisation’s on-going charitable contributions.
Mrs Zhu said the gifts were a token of appreciation of the senior citizens because they raised families and even though they now live in retirement homes, it does not mean they should be forgotten.
“Every senior citizen is a parent. Whether your mother is here in South Africa or in China, giving what is in our hearts to the elderly is a blessing. As the Africa Chinese Women Association we are giving to our mothers. It is not to late to say happy Mother’s Day. We need to appreciate you and in our culture, our elderly are important.
“The woman’s association wishes you long life and good health” said Mrs Zhu.
“It is an honour to meet the first lady and we thank her for coming to visit us and we also appreciate the gifts from the Africa Chines Women Association,” said resident Ms Yolisa Aros
Dr Ngema-Zuma also had an opportunity to talk to residents and have a walk about in the complex where she stopped to visit some of the residents.
