It was on the chilly 23rd day of July 2025 as the elderly assembled at the Growing Lilies Day Care and Boarding Centre in Slovoville. The rich, warm atmosphere and ambience encapsulated the event as the senior citizens were hosted by their little ones to witness the lessons taught on the daily. But of paramount is the resounding event organizing prowess by Principal Mavis Nemakhavhani. This years’ instalment of the annual Grannies Day was much unique as the Health Promoters form the Department of Health graced the event to highlight the importance of good health to all attendees!
Colorful inscriptions on the wall read the themes;
Granny you are the best Granny in the whole world!
I love you Granny, you are my rock!
Hey Granny you are beautiful!
Articulately compered Health Promoter Faniswa Mdywe, the event with great charm as the little learners from babies to senior classes took to stage to welcome and entertain the distinguished guests by saying prayers, warm speeches appreciating their grandparents, with well-rehearsed recitations and poems, vowels sequencing, knowledge and cognitive exercises and demonstrations to much ululations of appreciation from the audience. The highlight of the day was the well-choreographed Kwela dance performances by the kids, captivating and sensitizing the elderly to get up and join in the boogie-woogie dance floor, evoking the timeless escapade of the majestic spirit of the Kwela jive era!
These are not your typical ordinary grannies, but wise contributors to their community from all walks of life who find joy in helping the younger generations through various projects and activities to show the light, wisdom, projecting dignity and resilience with lasting strength both in physique and mental states. Not to be outdone by the little stars, “The Good Samaritan” choir of gogo’s and mkhulus from the community organization of the same name rendered sultry acapella music items, with heartwarming resonant verses that left a wow effect! Leaving the audience soothed and pleasantly delighted.
In her speech, Principal Mavis thanked all guests and community at large for supportive initiatives and various donations towards her day care. She read the Vision of Growing Lilies and then laid out the history of the ‘Gorgeous National Grannies Day’. “It was established in 1984 by Alice Solomon, who envisioned that all other days are celebrated except a day for the gogo’s. To honour the efforts of the elderly ladies who warmly care after and bear the weight of raising their grandchildren. Some even sacrifice their pension payouts raising the little ones. One such granny that I admire and prefer to keep her anonymity, consistently pays the creche fees for her grandchild throughout the year!” Mentioned Ma’am Mavis.
Among the influential speakers, Mama Lungiswa Mputsheni related that although there were challenges, she is grateful that her child’s child was well taken of at Growing Lilies with a strong foundation level tutoring! “Presidents, Educators and professionals are raised here, we appreciate the sterling all round work of our humble Principal!” she enthused. Furthermore, Mama Lorraine Mamba a social activist and vocal in educational initiatives, encouraged her counterparts to take care of their health, “let’s conduct medical checks and avoid health risks such as smoking. Our gogo’s day is special as our kids are making wonders.” Mama Monica Lombard stated that, “we are here to support our children who are at a safe haven here. The teachers here are doing a great job as our kids speak well the languages. As members of The Good Samaritan, let’s uphold Growing Lilies.”
Faniswa mentioned that together with her colleagues conduct health programs at Slovo and Green Village clinics empowering patients especially those with chronic ailments. And one such colleague Robert Rath, presented a flow chart with picture graphics aids, vastly elaborated at length the pros and cons of Diabetes disease types, and further how it can be managed especially with good diet, exercise, etc. As the session concluded, persons living with chronic diabetes, were ushered gifts and devices that help manage the serious ailment. The elderly were presented a Q and A session to raise some of the pertinent questions and clear the myths associated with Diabetes. A memory cognitive quiz was conducted on the subject with those giving successful responses acquiring gift packs!
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
