Madam Speaker holds a party for the elderly
COSMO CITY – Festive cheer spreads as senior citizens spend the day with Madam Speaker.
Madam Speaker of the City of Johannesburg’s Council Conny Bapela played Mother Christmas as she held a party for more than 300 elderly residents from all the seven regions within the City.
On Friday 5 December, the senior citizens were in for a treat as Bapela hosted them for a Christmas lunch at Cosmo City Centre. The Christmas lunch for the elderly is an annual event. “The event is in its third year running because the elderly are so close to my heart,” explained Bapela.
She said the lunch is her way of giving thanks to the elderly for the great and wonderful job they do in communities. “Most of us were brought up by our grannies and this is just a way of paying them hommage.”
The speaker said her aim is to take the celebration to different parts and all regions of the City. Since its inception, the party has been hosted in two different regions. “In the first year we hosted them at the Johannesburg Zoo, last year we went to Orange Farm and this year here we are in Cosmo City.”
The day was abuzz with activities. The elderly were treated to a three-course meal. There was also live music performance. At the end of the festivities, Bapela handed the elderly food parcels to take home with.
Dalene Rheeder of Claremont, who is one of the grannies who attended the party, said she was over the moon. “This is such a great outing I even managed to make some new friends.”
Rheeder said it was heartwarming to have leaders who care about the elderly and make time on their busy schedules to be with them.
Another happy and pleased senior citizen was Henekie Forbes. “The food was great and it was wonderful to interact with our peers from other regions of the City.”
Helika Hadebe of Pimville in Soweto said she enjoyed being at the Christmas lunch. “I’m even happy for the food parcels, at least I have something to share with my grandchildren when I get home.”
