NPO lent chairs to social grant beneficiaries while they queue
“Usually when my mother has to stand for a long time in the queue and her knees become painful when we have to return home.”
Members of SA Bafokeng Mavundle Clan (SABMC) assisted pensioners during the Sassa grant pay-out at Sam Ntuli Mall, Thokoza, on October 3.
Mosiuwa Mofokeng, Joe Mofokeng and Anderson Ndlazi went out of the way to rent 40 chairs for R400 to lend to senior citizens while they wait in the queue to collect their grants at Pick n Pay.
Mofokeng said as he was going to the mall for his shopping he realised that most of the time senior citizens get tired while waiting in the queues.
“It broke my heart to an extent that I decided to come up with a plan to assist them so that they encounter the same challenges they have been exposed to previously. I thought of bringing chairs that we can lend for a day,” said Mofokeng.
“I arranged with Sam Ntuli Mall and Pick n Pay managers and they agreed with the idea because they saw it as something that can benefit the public.”
He said he once witnessed a pensioner fall on the ground after waiting for hours in the queue at Chris Hani Mall in Vosloorus.
“Knowing that we also have some queues in Sam Ntuli Mall, I thought people might be experiencing the same thing, hence I decided to start this initiative.”
Elderly citizens appreciated the gesture and efforts made by the group.
Lindiwe Ntuli, who accompanied her 85-year-old mother Martha Ntuli from Hlongwane Section, Katlehong said she loves the initiative.
“Most of the time we queue outside and you would find elderly people standing. It is only when they get inside that can sit. We would appreciate it if they can be provided with chairs even outside. However, today is a lot better the queue is not long.
“Usually when my mother has to stand for a long time in the queue and her knees become painful when we have to return home. Most pensioners end up waking up very early to queue because they do not want to be in the queue for long.”
Another senior citizen Lucky Madlala explained that the reason he appreciates Mofokeng’s efforts is that he fell a few years ago.
He said it happened to him while he was in the queue after he felt his knees become weak.
Suzan Khumalo (65) from Goba Section Katlehong shared her gratitude to SABMC saying they cannot stand for long, It is a lot better when they have chairs.
“We are very thankful and we hope that he continues so that we can sit and stretch our legs. Previously it was bad, however, Pick n Pay used to give us chairs before the 2021 July unrest. Although they were not enough they were helpful.”
Other pensioners Joyce Makhanye (63) and Elizabeth Rakgoma (71) shared some sentiments, citing that they were pleased.
“We are happy even though it is a struggle to get the money, at least we are seated,” said Makhanye.
The trio also paid an additional R200 to transport the chairs from Thabo’s place at Ext Five, Thokoza, to Sam Ntuli. They arrived at the mall around 08:00 and intended to spend the whole day.
Mofokeng said he hopes to get chairs because he booked and paid for them.
“My wish is to get good Samaritans to donate enough chairs for the initiative to continue instead of doing it once off. And maybe ultimately being able to transport them to the mall,” he concluded.
