Daveyton gogos keep the doctor away by exercising regularly

A group of Daveyton gogos have taken charge of their health by exercising regularly to keep fit and distress.

The 70 grannies have committed without fail, to exercise three days a week at a local church in Mayfield Extension One and Six.

Samukelo Tshabalala, the founder of Samukelo Esihle Community Project, provides free fitness training sessions for women who want to keep healthy during their golden years.

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She said her love for senior citizens and giving back sparked the idea of starting the fitness club.

The organisation aims to help old people and disabled people in her community.

“In 2017, while I was distributing food parcels to the residents in need, I saw that a lot of old people have nothing much to do except looking after their grandchildren and that’s when I saw the need to bring them together so they can keep busy,” said Samukelo.

Samukelo said the gogos do not only exercise but they also do bead work and they crochet for the residents of various old age homes in Daveyton.

One of the members Nozizwe Mbunjana (68) said before joining the club, she used to sleep during the day when her grandchildren were at school.

“The gym has helped me to keep fit, distress from everything that is bothering me from home and I enjoy that I also get to interact with other grannies,” said Nozizwe.

Another member Tholiwe Mojola (67) also said she has seen a massive change in her health after joining the gym four years ago.

“Due to the gym, I am so hyped up. I feel much healthier and happier,” said Tholiwe.

“I enjoy knitting for other senior citizens and also going on trips and seeing different places I’ve never been to before.”

Samukelo said the grannies take part in different activities, such as fun walks, racing and they play soccer also.

“I love seeing them proudly hang their medals around their necks to prove the point,” she said laughing.

The club is open to everyone from the age of 50 upwards.

Mbali Nkosi teaches the gogos how to play soccer and Siphiwe Mhlongo teaches them beadwork.

They both said they enjoy working with the grannies as they learn a lot from them everyday.

She added that they recently had a burglary at their premises and their kitchen items were stolen.

“We can appreciate donations of non-perishable foods, so I can make food parcels for the grannies and to also make them something to eat after they have excised or while they are knitting,” she said.

The club would appreciate a fitness trainer who can volunteer his or her time whenever Samukelo is not available.

The organisation needs donations of exercising equipment, uniform for the grannies, Bibles, beads, wool and soccer balls.

To donate or to join the club, contact Samukelo on 083 404 8560.