Golden Oldies raise funds for fence
Ms Flora Maboa-Boltman slammed those who throw their rubbish into storm water drains, because when it rains they get blocked and water floods into their yards.
KINROSS – The community of Kinross hosted a gala dinner to raise funds to erect palisade fencing at the senior citizens’ centre.
The event was held on Saturday, 17 September and was attended by the Govan Mbeki Municipality mayor, Flora Maboa-Boltman, various artists, representatives from different government departments and the community.
A group of women from Kinross brought up the idea of raising funds after the senior citizens’ centre became the target of thieves who steal their groceries and appliances.
The fundraising began with a braai whereafter the gala dinner was held at Kinross Sasol Club.
The chairman of the Kinross Golden Oldies, Ms Ethel Makhele, said it is time to plant vegetables, but they cannot do so because they do not have a fence and roaming cattle graze in their yard.
The centre helps senior citizens with daily meetings where they discuss issues affecting them, take part in different activities which includes learning to read and write and hand crafts and sports activities.
She urged the community to take their children to the crèche and allow the senior citizens to join the club and spend time with their peers.
Eight of the senior citizens from Kinross Golden Oldies participated in the provincial games in Nelspruit and six will represent the province at the national games in Limpopo.
Ms Makhele’s aim was to take 40 elderly people from Govan Mbeki Municipality to the national games in Limpopo, so they can see what senior citizens from other provinces do, but for her to take more she will need sponsorships from businesses and individuals.
During her speech, she thanked the organisers of the event, the sponsors, the media and the attendees for always being there when the centre needs help.
She urged the community to buy into Operation Pimpa and report those who break the law.
She applauded the elderly for the good work they do for the community.
“We must support them financially and spiritually.
“Give them blankets, not because they need them, but because they always help others.”
Ms Maboa-Boltman said senior citizens once knocked on her door and asked for blankets to help those affected by storms.
The Department of Social Development pleaded with the community not to burden the elderly with their personal problems, including letting them raise their grandchildren.
A representative from this department said the elderly are like Government who worries about everything, but without enough funds.
Those who would like to assist Kinross Golden Oldies to erect their palisade fencing and with water and electricity connections, can contact Ms Makhele at 083 470 8609.
