Ward councillor Glynese Lockie visited the Victorious Elders fitness programme on July 14, founded by Mandlenkosi Khambule, where elderly residents gather every Wednesday at Geluksdal Secondary School to exercise, socialise and encourage one another.

Khambule said the councillor’s visit was a significant moment for the programme and a reminder that their efforts are making a difference.

“It makes me feel very much appreciated because when I started doing this work, no one used to appreciate me.

“But now, when I see people just like the local councillor, coming to spend time with my elders, giving them soup and something to eat, it makes me feel much more appreciated together with the elders,” he said.

The programme has become more than just a place to exercise. According to Khambule, it has created a close-knit support system for the elderly.

When he informed members that the councillor would be visiting, their response reflected their gratitude.

Lockie said the programme first caught her attention while driving past the school, and through posts on social media.

“When I drove past, I could see the elders exercising and I also saw it on Facebook. I told myself I just wanted to do something because, with the economy so bad, many of our senior citizens are living on grants that aren’t enough. Some are still raising grandchildren on those grants,” she said.

She said programmes such as Victorious Elders help improve both physical and mental well-being.

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“When they keep fit, their minds are also fit. Sometimes they do not even know where the next meal is coming from and they carry a lot of stress.

“Coming here gives them an opportunity to exercise, spend time together, share their problems and encourage one another.”

Lockie added that senior citizens are an important source of wisdom in communities.

She described community initiatives aimed at older people as essential, saying regular exercise can help improve health and encourage seniors to stick to their treatment.

“It is very important. When I look at our clinics, they are always full and sometimes our elders default on their medication. If they come to the gym and keep fit, it can help them live longer.”

The councillor said she hopes to partner with the programme in future despite limited resources. She expressed the need for more programmes for senior citizens. Khambule said while the programme continues to grow, it still lacks basic resources.

“We have nothing. We just have chairs, a field and water bottles and would appreciate sponsorship of gym equipment, T-shirts, exercise mats and especially water because after they have exercised they become dehydrated and I often struggle to find water for them,” he said.

He also appealed to local businesses, organisations and community leaders to support the initiative and every contribution will make a difference to the programme.

Lockie encouraged more senior citizens to participate in programmes such as Victorious Elders.

“I want to tell our senior citizens to get up and join these programmes. We need our elders for as long as we can have them, and we pray that God gives them the strength to come and join us,” she concluded.

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