JEFFREYS BAY – After nearly two decades of selfless service to the community’s elderly residents, Jacky Opperman has been unanimously honoured by the SA Association of Retired Persons (SAARP) Jeffreys Bay Branch Social Club for her extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of local pensioners.
Jacky and her late husband Louis were elected Chair and Vice-Chairperson of the branch in February 2004, beginning what would become a remarkable journey of community service that continues to this day.
The couple transformed the social club into a lifeline for many elderly residents, organising monthly meetings featuring enlightening talks from guest speakers on diverse topics.
Open to visitors and local residents over 50, these gatherings became known for their warm hospitality, with attendees welcomed with fresh tea or coffee and homemade sandwiches.
“Jacky and Louis Opperman exemplified the very best of community spirit,” said current Chairperson Viv Smith.
“Their unwavering dedication to ensuring that no member of our community felt alone or forgotten was truly remarkable.
“Jacky continues to embody these values, and we are privileged to have witnessed such selfless service to our fellow pensioners.
“They didn’t just run a social club — they created a family.”
Monthly outings supported local restaurants whilst ensuring excellent value for members, many of whom were on limited incomes.
For some elderly and single members, these events provided their only social interaction.
The Oppermans went beyond organising events, spending countless hours at the bedsides of frail and unwell members who had no nearby family.
They negotiated special deals for outings, arranged annual trips after personally inspecting venues, and organised elaborate Christmas lunches that often served as the only festive celebration many members would enjoy.
Tragedy struck in August 2018 when Louis passed away suddenly after a short illness, leaving what colleagues described as “big shoes to fill”.
However, Jacky stepped up to assume the Chair role, supported by her executive committee.
The club’s unanimous decision to honour Jacky recognises not only her individual contributions but also the lasting impact she and Louis have had on the Kouga community through their unwavering commitment to ensuring no pensioner feels forgotten.
