Eledrly get Christmas lunch

The City invited hundreds of pensioners to its annual Mayoral Christmas Lunch. They had a great time and each received a gift.
CHRISTMAS was a period of giving – hence the City of Johannesburg saw fit to acknowledge its elders, the people who had contributed immensely so that Joburg could be a great world-class, African City, said the portfolio head of health and human development, Nonceba Molwele.

Giving Christmas cheer to the elderlyGiving Christmas cheer to the elderly (Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)She was at the Mayoral Christmas Lunch, with about 700 senior citizens at Walter Sisulu Hall in Randburg on 10 December. Molwele was accompanied the acting mayor, Mally Mokoena.

She said the City was what it was because of the sweat and hard work of the elderly in various professions and industries.
The senior citizens were encouraged to share their undocumented history with their children, grandchildren and members of the community to ensure that their legacy was not forgotten.

Mokoena said the aim of the day was to salute the contribution of the elderly to society. “Since you have many experiences the community has expectations of you. The City also values your experiences. It would not be where it is without your contribution,” she said.

In 2008, the City introduced a comprehensive social package to support the elderly. It included the provision of food security support, social networking activities and items such as clothing and blankets, explained Mokoena.

The Mayoral Christmas Lunch is an annual event for senior citizens from various City regions.

MMC Nonceba Molwele has a good time with a senior citizenMMC Nonceba Molwele having a good time with a senior citizen (Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)Among those who attended were Louise van Voller and Ellen de Lange from Kensington. Van Voller said that she had had the time of her life. “Being around hundreds of people my age allowed me to make new friends,” she added.

De Lange thanked the City and organisers for such a beautiful day and great gifts. “I also enjoyed the entertainment. It was on point,” she said.

The group sang hymns and some danced, while others cheered them on.

According to Thembelihle Radebe, a City spokesperson, the luncheon was intended to show the elderly that they were special and to bring warmth and love to them this festive season. “Many of the vulnerable elderly people feel uncared for and unloved,” she added.

Each person left with a gift, determined by the colour of the sticker behind their seat. Some won a scarf and a bonnet from City Parks; others got tickets to the Joburg Theatre and yet others walked away with groceries.