A community fitness programme, Victorious Elders, founded by Mandlenkosi Khambule at Geluksdul Secondary School is aiming to keep the elderly people in shape and not forgotten.

Khambule said that the inspiration for the programme was seeing the elders at the Ubuntu Community Empowerment Centre in the area and that there was no fitness programme for them.

He asked the elderly about a fitness programme that caters to them and was told that their trainer left them. He said that an idea was born at that moment.

“The elders agreed to reviving the programme and we encountered problems in giving a space where we could do our exercising.

“But at the end, I met with Logan Fortuin, who manages the sport facility in the school, and he agreed to have us on Monday and Wednesday mornings,” said Khambule.

From the exercises, Khambule hopes that the elderly can get some pain relief and help with their mental health.

The programme currently has 30 elderly people from the area and he shared that the aim is to have many elderly people that are willing to participate.

“There are times when some members do not come and we get worried so as a group, we go to see the absent member to leave some words of encouragement and prayer.

“Our plans are to have more programmes and to challenge other elders from various communities for a sports day or fun day,” said the founder.

One of the participants, Nomvula Zondo (72), told the publication that she is grateful for the programme that focuses on the elders. She said that the programme has helped them in keeping fit and reducing some pains.

“Sometimes being at home is stressful with the family issues so when we are here, we forget a bit and focus on ourselves. In the programme, I was able to create some friendships and learn about others.”

Zondo encouraged other elders in the community to come and join the programme, saying that it is one of the ways to keep busy and be part of the community. 

Anyone interested in joining the programme should contact Khambule on 061 475 1663.