U3A aims to keep the mind active
The organisation has about 250 members who each pay a R50 membership per year.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is an international movement whose aims are the education and stimulation of mainly retired members of the community – those in their “third’ age of life.
Tico Poplak and Cheryl Paterson are co-chairpersons of the U3A and have seen the organisation grow in numbers over the years.
“The purpose of the club is to keep the mind active,” said Paterson.
We engage and educate the retired people of Benoni through culture and interests,” said Poplak.
Members have been meeting every month for talks by various guest speakers since 2014 when the Benoni branch was established.
Speakers cover a variety of topics, such as the drawing up of wills, healthcare, motivational speakers, authors and organisations.
The organisation has about 250 members who each pay a R50 membership per year.
The U3A hosted Judge Edwin Cameron at the Benoni Country Club on May 23.
Judge Cameron, who has been a Justice of South Africa’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, since January 1, 2009, spoke on the situation in the country at the moment.
“He spoke with optimism that Cyril Ramaphosa would bring the country onto the right path,” said Poplak.
The judge also spoke about HIV/Aids related issues during former President Thabo Mbeki’s era and has published an award-winning memoir, Witness to Aids, in South Africa, the UK and the USA, with translated versions released in Germany and China.
“Judge Cameron encouraged members of the community to involve themselves with underprivileged communities as well as to join political parties and be involved in municipal affairs.”
Cameron’s latest book, Justice: A Personal Account, released in 2014, won the South African Literary Award for non-fiction in 2015.
He has received many honours for his work including a special award by the Bar of England and Wales for his contribution to international jurisprudence and the protection of human rights.
The U3A Benoni was honoured to have him address their meeting, Poplak said.
For more information about the U3A, contact Patterson on 082 346 4756 or visit their website at www.u3a.org.za
Also read: Will your family be prepared for your will?
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