Fund-raising concert held at Vosloorus Civic Centre
The Ekurhuleni Elderly Persons Fund-raising Concert to benefit a needy old-age home was held at Vosloorus Civic Centre on Wednesday, October 25.
Seven Ekurhuleni-based old-age centres, including Botle Buhle, Tsakane, Tshwaranang, KwaThema, Lindokuhle, Bomme Barona (the hosts) and Khayalethu old-age homes, took part in the concert and sang choral music.
Monica Kgolwane (54) from KwaThema Old Age Home told Kathorus MAIL what the purpose of the concert was.
“Our aim is to raise funds to help each other. In today’s case we are being hosted by Bomme Barona Old Age Home. The funds we are raising here today will all be given to them because they are not getting any funds from the government,” said Kgolwane.
She explained how the funds were raised.
“Each organisation that took part in the concert brought the sum of R1 000 to give to the hosts.
“The grannies who attended each bought a plate of food for R30.
“Each choir that performed was paid to perform on stage. For example, the choirs were paid R10 for each and every song they performed. The choir that sang well occupied the stage many times, depending on the demand from the crowd. And they were paid for their performance,” said Kgolwane.
Food, ribbons, drinks, sweets and snacks were also sold on the day.
All the money that was raised during the event was given to the hosts, Bomme Barona Old Age Home.
Kgolwane said the idea was initiated by the old-age centre managers.
Zinhle Mthiyane, who came to watch the concert, said she was entertained by the gogos’ voices.
“I was passing by on my way to work for my day shift. I entered to see what the old women were doing here today. On my way in I heard beautiful voices (Lindokuhle Old Age Home). I thought the school choir was singing to entertain the gogos, but to my surprise I found out that it was the gogos themselves who were singing. They sing beautifully,” said Mthiyane.
