The South African Army Band Western Cape took their 67 minutes of Mandela Day to entertain the elderly at the Jabulani and Jubilee Retirement Centre.
On Wednesday 19 July the band had the seniors of this retirement centre up on their feet, dancing to their music.
Magret Steenberg, a resident at the Jabulani and Jubilee Retirement Centre, said: “I adore it, the band is fantastic. I always enjoy having them here with us.”
The Director of Music SA Army Band Western Cape, Major Vernon Michels, said: “We are very flexible today. We are here to entertain you.” According to Michels, this was an extraordinary day, and the seniors are an incredibly special audience. “Today we are honouring you. This is our 67 minutes of Mandela Day, and we are dedicating this concert to you today,” Michels said.
The band also had their learners who are currently on course with them.
“Here in the Western Cape, we got the air force, the SA Navy and some officers from the SA Army Band Limpopo and SA Army band Kroonstad, in the Free State that are currently on course with us,” Michels said.
Privileged to play for the seniors
About a week ago the band was in Upington to do the Freedom of City parade.
“And then we have an opportunity to play for you. We are so privileged to do that today,” Michels said.
Military veteran Pieter Adolph said that the band’s performance was exceptional; as a pensioner he always used to listen to the music that they played. Adolph was in the army for 39 years.
John Koopman, also a veteran, made use of the opportunity to sing with the band during their performance.
