Senior citizens’ clubs under Sub-council 13 in Gugulethu and others from neighbouring areas gathered at NY 49 football stadium in Gugulethu on Friday 16 October to attend the Special Senior Citizens’ Sports Event. The event was organised by the Gugulethu Older Persons’ Forum (OPF) together with the Gugulethu Sport Council.
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Gugulethu OPF chair Nandi Ntshoza described the event as an annual gathering. She said the purpose was to entertain and socialise as senior citizens. Ntshoza stressed that the event includes all the senior clubs under Sub-council 13 and from neighbouring areas such as Khayelitsha, Langa, Manenberg and Heideveld.
“The age starts from 60 years and upwards. We chose this month because it’s Older Persons’ Month. This is the second time we took part in such an event. We want people to see that there are active senior clubs in our communities, and we want them to join us,” explained Ntshoza. She described the senior clubs as a safe space for older people where they can share their problems.
Some of us are abused by our children
She stated that many of them are staying with their grandchildren and are always under pressure.
“There are some of our members who are abused by their children. They leave us with their children and go to socialise. Some of us are abused verbally, emotionally, physically and financially. While when we are together, we are able to share our problems and advise each other,” she stated, adding that sometimes they feel relieved by the time they leave their clubs.
She listed making beads, crocheting, playing soccer, singing, athletics, baking and exercising as some of the activities they do as senior citizens in their various clubs.
She highlighted substance abuse, domestic abuse and rape as some of the challenges they face conducted by their children.
We are appealing to donors to come on board
Gugulethu Sport Council chair Nceba Sandlana said they are happy with the attendance. However, he urged donors to come on board.
“We are appealing to donors to come on board. We had to ask each club to bring 20 people because we don’t have enough food. But we are hoping that next year the event is going to grow,” urged Sandlana, adding that their aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle through exercising regularly.
It helps us a lot
One of the senior citizens, Nontobeko Lumkwana from Emthonjeni Senior Club in Langa, said she has been a member for about eight years.
“It helps us a lot because we are able to exercise and keep our bodies fit. We are able to talk and advise each other,” she explained and urged others to join senior clubs.
