A group of determined elderly residents proved that initiative does not fade with age during their recent event at the Altrec Sports Complex on June 11.

Faced with dwindling external support, Siyondla Umphakathi launched its first fundraising concert, boldly declaring its self-reliance. Instead of waiting for reluctant donors, the organisation’s members decided to create their own solution with the help of other elderly people organisations under the Johannesburg Older Persons’ Forum (JOPF).

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Siyondla Umphakathi runs a daytime support centre for older residents in Alexandra, offering a welcoming space for companionship, social activities and mutual care. Weekly gatherings for exercise, knitting, crocheting and conversation help members stay active, connected and combat the isolation many seniors face at home. Despite its significant role in the community, it is among many other organisations that struggle with funding.

Silvia Mvumvu, founder of Siyondla Umphakathi, was frank about the challenges confronting elderly groups. She said sponsors and donors have become increasingly difficult to attract, leaving many organisations in a precarious position.

“There is nowhere we can go to get funds, and we don’t even have donors. But we couldn’t just sit and fold our arms. We couldn’t have just waited – we have the brains, the legs and hands to do it ourselves,” Mvumvu said.

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Although the fundraising event was meant to be a practical response to funding shortages, it evolved into a joyful celebration. Choirs from various organisations linked to the JOPF in Region E delivered lively performances that had the audience singing with genuine warmth and enthusiasm.

Mamorake Mogane, one of the event organisers, admitted the team initially felt nervous about venturing into uncharted territory. “We were a bit scared because it was the first event of this kind we have ever held,” she said. “We don’t have funds, but we asked ourselves: what can we do for our organisations to stand on their own? So we decided to organise a concert to support each other.”

The gamble paid off handsomely. Organisations contributed R500 each, while additional elderly residents from the broader community joined the gathering, boosting attendance and impact. Moses Maimela, the chairperson of Ageing With Wisdom, hailed the concert as an inspiring example for other senior groups grappling with similar financial hurdles. Many now depend largely on their own efforts to keep programmes running. “These fundraising events will help ensure that when the elderly come together to exercise, crochet or knit, they will have something to eat,” Maimela said.

Buoyed by the success, Ageing With Wisdom has already committed to hosting the next concert, pointing to a growing wave of proactive, member-driven fundraising across Johannesburg’s older persons’ forums.

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