Kwa-Thema’s elderly lead monthly choir concerts to raise funds and lift spirits

Kwa-Thema — The Kwa-Thema Society for the Care of the Aged, known as Kwa-Thema Old Age Home, held a fundraising concert at the Kwa-Thema Community Hall on 25 June.

The concert was led by the aged, for the aged, providing entertainment in a beneficial way. To accommodate and assist other centres as well, the fundraising concert rotates among different centres each month.

“These concerts bring together a community of elderly choir groups from all around Ekurhuleni. They unite our beneficiaries through a shared purpose, which is to support and sustain our centres through music, unity, and collective effort.

“We invited seven choirs in total. We work collaboratively with these choirs as they are also beneficiaries of other Societies for the Care of the Aged,” said Kwa-Thema Centre manager Sibongile Choba.

Choba mentioned that they combine resources and contribute towards one another in order to raise funds. She added that the activities enable beneficiaries to travel to different places each month to participate in various fundraising events.

The fundraising concerts generate income through multiple streams: ticket sales, food and refreshments, commemorative ribbons, and song selections.

“Each choir pays a fee for every song they choose to perform, adding an additional layer of support to the initiative.

“The hosting centre seeks donations such as food from the community, businesses, and other organisations in order to have meals to serve on the day.

“This multifaceted approach not only raises essential funds but also encourages community participation and investment in the event’s success,” explained Choba.

She also highlighted that the accumulated funds are directed towards different purposes. Last year, the centre bought jackets for its beneficiaries in winter. The year before that, the centre bought tracksuits, which are worn during choir performances.

“This year, I was not directly involved in the concert committee due to administrative commitments, but there have been suggestions that the funds may go towards installing a new gate at our centre.

“The gate is a much-needed upgrade for safety and structure. Our funding from government only covers about 70% of our operational needs, so the remaining 30% must be raised through initiatives like these.

“Money generated from each initiative goes towards buying whatever the beneficiaries may need at the time,” added Choba.

Choba cited the following benefits gained from these choir concerts by elders:
• Emotional upliftment: These concerts provide elders with happiness, relief and the ability to socialise, helping them refrain from thinking about their problems.

• Social connection: Enables them to discuss concerns, encounters and problems with their peers; people who understand them. Enables them to form friendships, reconnect whenever they meet, and form part of a group.

• Mental stimulation: They need to remember song lyrics, choreography, harmonies and new songs, which boosts memory.

• Physical health: Maintains physical health through movement, contributing to overall wellbeing.

• Boosts confidence and self-esteem.

• Provides enjoyment, joy, entertainment and fun.

Choir conductor and beneficiary of the Kwa-Thema Society for the Care of the Aged, Lulama Khumalo, said participating in choir concerts makes them feel included.

“They make us feel great and help us exercise in a fun and active way. These concerts help us stay busy instead of watching TV all the time.

“Being a choir conductor is difficult and requires a lot of patience. The group may learn and remember a song today and forget it tomorrow.

“Choreography requires us to practise daily until we eventually get it right. These initiatives help us forget about our problems and struggles,” said Khumalo.

Khumalo urged other elders to join the Kwa-Thema Society for the Care of the Aged, saying there are many activities such as sports to participate in.