The association, established in 1934 by a former mayor of Benoni “Mr Benoni” Morrie Nestadt, is a social club for residents sharing a love for the early Benoni, which they largely helped to build.
The members held the function at Mike’s Kitchen, in Rynfield, and welcomed Nestadt’s son, Gerald, as a special guest.
He was certified as an honorary member.
Ken Brown, a member and also a former mayor of Benoni, congratulated the committee for their work.
“The whole of the East Rand used to have Pioneers Associations, but we are the only ones who still keep it going, so there are special people in Benoni,” he said.
He challenged the youth of Benoni to take the qualities of Morrie Nestadt into the future, to bring young Pioneers together and to make over the city of their liking.
Brown also praised the club’s newest member, Natalee Adendorff, who opened a preschool two years ago, for implementing exactly this.
“She is building the future of South Africa,” he said.
A buffet lunch and dancing formed part of the lively celebrations.
The club has three meetings a year, which often feature guest speakers.
There are currently 30 members in the group, led by a former mayor of the city and their president, Sam Grolman, and lady president Shirley du Plessis.
Contact the association’s secretary Brenda McDonald on 073 423 3280, or Grolman on 082 920 6553, if you are interested in joining the Benoni Pioneers.
For a photo gallery, visit www.benonicitytimes.co.za galleries.
