It was joy and delight for the senior citizens in Lufhereng Soweto, as the Wiiny Gadebe Foundation NPO hosted the Christmas event on 13 Friday 2024. Seated comfortably under the well mounted stretch tent, the elderly guests were treated to a sumptuous meal thanks to the Shoprite food kitchen before the event started ensuring they are well energised throughout the programme. Compered by the organisation member Jabu Nkabinde, who also highlighted the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the festive occasion with our senior citizens.
“The Winnie foundation has been instrumental in driving the various initiatives in communities, organising children’s programmes, giving out school uniforms, youth sports tournaments, feeding schemes, food parcels and veggies allocations to name a few.” Mentioned Jabu. Community member Gontse Mdlalose indicated that she has witnessed several of such interventions and is delighted to be part of the selfless acts that the NPO has undertaken thus far. “The first time I met mama Winny was when she organised a soup kitchen in the community, and that I believe she will carry on playing a helping people in our communities.”
The Disc Jockey for the day really set up the musical taste that was relevant to the guests, from Christmas tunes to the golden oldies that brought up the gogo’s from their seats with one oldie throwing off her crutches. The beats and grooves that reminisced their good halcyon prompted them to trade their signature dance moves to the delight of all present! What a treat.
As she took to podium, mama Winny acknowledged the Shoprite gifting and support towards her initiatives. “My team has been a dedicated unit that volunteer to make a difference I society although we don’t receive any funding.” She then called upon gogo’s in their eighties to comment on the occasion. Gladys Kgoroyadira, 90 mentioned. “Here am I able to walk around at my age, I thank my God whom I dont see but witness through His works and I am very happy to be part of this event. Gogo Makhosana Sikhakhane mentioned that, “we are grateful towards the love and grace for us to be ushered here. I acknowledge the Lord as I wake up each morning having raised grand and great grandchildren. Thank you, mama Winnie for todays’s special day with your organisation, let it not end with us only, please do not lose heart, people always make all kind of comments, but be strong in prayers and let your efforts increase and God bless your initiatives beyond today!”
Tebogo Ramahlhlane the Black Diamonds Football club chairman and community activist, related that sharing a conversation with a senior person is similar to reading volumes if literature. Because of their wisdom, knowledge and experience can be equated to navigating 100 books! “I love sitting with the elderly, to draw wisdom, and ask them how their arrived at such great ages because life can be challenging out there. But apart from anything there is nothing that we can claim from life except from God’s grace to make it. And that it is key for the elderly to bless the forthcoming generations. Therefore, I appeal for the elderly in attendance to release their blessings upon us!
The decorated news anchor from Jozi FM Nompe Nyama graced and wrapped up the event, with intense energy she charged how beautiful her elderly listeners were looking. “As a Mosotho girl I wish to acknowledge that you are our blessings, and even as we revere you, we may not disrespect you our elderly as today’s generation does. They do not progress with their lives as they do not honour the senior citizen’s grey hairs. She further went to interact with her beloved grannies and granddaddies. As the loved guests would leave with heavy food packs and goodies mama Winny acknowledged support from Karaba Machaba deco events, The Brown Queen deco events as well as Gugulethu deco events for supplying amenities on the day. “All those who played a role in the Golden Age Elders event we appreciate your efforts!”
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
