Mogale City Local Municipality in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Social Development have on Friday, 14 March 2025 placed a massive smile on the faces of the elderly when the two partners officially opened the Kagiso Elderly Centre.
The R30million state-of-the-art Centre came about as a result of numerous requests by the community of Kagiso through the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) roadshows, an indication that the IDPs are community-based and a true reflection that Mogale City does take its people and their inputs seriously.
The Centre is nestled correctly at the previously open space adjacent to the local clinic, close to the notorious First Stop area. This is an area in Kagiso One, better known as the meeting point for residents and community members when are not happy about issues affecting them.
The Centre offers a huge hall, staff offices, a well-equipped gym to assist with active aging activities, courtyard for lazing around, parking space, arts and culture fitted with sewing machines for sewing, beading and pillowcase manufacturing to assist in income generation and 24/7 security personnel on site.
Associating her speech to Proverbs 16:31, which reads, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is obtained by following a righteous path’’.MEC Faith Mazibuko, better known as Tjovitjo, for prowess’s on dealing with matters community said: “I am so truly blessed to be part of this generation because these are people who made us who we are today. The residents of Kagiso must give yourselves a pat on your back because you are still having parents and grandparents that are still guiding you.”
She added that: “We want to implore upon the community of Kagiso that this Centre does not belong to certain individuals or groups. This is a community centre to look after the senior and elderly people. I am happy that our elderly are here to witness this mammoth task that we are doing.
“We want to request the interim board to not dictate terms of operation but to give guidance on the day-to-day running of the centre. I am saying this because I have seen communities fighting over government institutions.”
The Executive Mayor Lucky Sele, amplified the MEC’s words, adding that: “We are excited that the 20-year-old dream of residents of Kagiso has come to fruition. This centre came about as the results of inputs during the IDPs.
“We want to thank residents for being patient with us and here today, we are officially opening this facility. Most importantly, please take care of this facility and report any form of vandalism taking place in the centre as it your property and need look after it.”
The Health and Social Development Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC), Woderful Segolodi mentioned: “I’m excited today that our elderly will have a place to socialise and take part in exercises as we have a gym within the centre.”
In attendance were the Single Whip of Council, Councillor Tsholofelo Ramaisa, Ward Councillor Motsamai Taunyane, Mogale City Councillors as well as the Community Development Services (CDS) Executive Manager, Lovey Modiba.
The event concluded with certificate awards to two elderly women, Lucy Mooiketsi and Margret Ramalatswa for championing elderly clubs in Mogale City and followed by the ribbon cutting.
Sipho NoneSoweto Sunrise News
