Oldies are on the move
KwaThema – Bulithando Golden Oldies gives pensioners a new lease on life Charles Ndawo founded Bulithando Golden Oldies with two of his friends in 2004. “Our desire was to stay active, but we struggled to secure a place to train. “We spent almost six months looking for a place. “Then we got space at the …
KwaThema – Bulithando Golden Oldies gives pensioners a new lease on life
Charles Ndawo founded Bulithando Golden Oldies with two of his friends in 2004.
“Our desire was to stay active, but we struggled to secure a place to train.
“We spent almost six months looking for a place.
“Then we got space at the park.”
Moeti Mekoa, one of the founding members, says he is very impressed with the growth they have made.
“We have about 81 members now, and that is amazing.”
Jabu Mashishi, a member of the club, says, “I had high blood pressure that I couldn’t control.
“After much turmoil, my doctor advised me to start exercising.”
She says the four years that she has spent with the group has transformed her health.
“I was on vacation not so long ago. We walked up 97 stairs to see God’s Window and I felt great.”
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Thoko Mogotsi explains that she was very overweight when she joined the group.
“I couldn’t walk long distances without becoming out of breath.
Maurine Mokoena explains, “Being in the group also encourages us to take care of each other.
“When I got here I couldn’t bend my back, lift my legs or even my arms.
“Now I can even run.
“We want to encourage others to join us.”
Queen Nkani (77) says the park isn’t in a good condition.
“When we start at 6.30am it is still very dark and there aren’t any lights.”
She says they have a desire to make soup for school children in the mornings, but they do not have the means.
The group is also seeking sponsors for gym wear.
“Some of the women train in skirts, so it would be great to have tracksuits and tekkies, or even mats.
“We recycle plastic bottles and turn them into candle holders, vases and jewellery boxes,” adds Mashishi.
They say that even though most of them are pensioners, they do accept younger gogos too.
For more information or to make a contribution please contact Jabu Mashinini on 0726032761.
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