Vosloorus senior citizen launch fitness NPO
Motheo Wa Bagolo is an NPO that was initiated by Vosloorus senior citizens seven years ago to promote active aging and a healthy lifestyle.
After struggling to register an NPO for seven years, the Vosloorus senior citizens finally registered and officially launched their organisation named Motheo Wa Bagolo (MWB) at Enkwarini Car Wash, at Ext 28, Portion 53, on November 11.
The executive committee members of MWB are chairperson Esther Hlophe, deputy chairperson Masabata Mokhatla, treasurer Theresa Mabitle, secretary Jane Ratlhagane, deputy secretary Makhahliso Chabalala and disciplinary committee members Joana Nhlapho, Gertrude Mazibuko and Jane Mongwe.
Mokhatla (59) said it blessed them to register the organisation because their previous attempts bared fruitless results.
She said they are currently training in an open field with an uneven surface, which could cause injuries to elderly people.
“If we can get a space, we can erect structures or containers to have an indoor gym. In that way, we can request donations for gym equipment. We are all different, some are affected by a stroke and need stroke rehab devices that help stroke survivors,” said Mokhatla.
“We are pleading with the government to assist us. When we knock on their doors, they should consider assisting us as South African senior citizens.”
Mabitle (65), who has been part of MWB for seven years, said they are making progress because they have a certificate in the organisation’s name. With the certificate, they will knock on various doors to seek help, she explained.
“My plea is for people to welcome us. Do not close doors on our faces because some of our members come from poor backgrounds. We bring nothing to the gym. Most of us are pensioners, so should we approach you for food or other donations, please help us if you can,” said Mabitle.
Ratlhagane (59) has been part of the group for a year and said it is extremely helpful because she previously had health challenges with low blood pressure and back pains and she struggled to walk.
She said joining the gym has helped her overcome health complications.
Recreation specialist Puniki Motsene said the elderly’s activities focus on promoting healthy ageing through exercising between Monday and Thursday from 8 am to 9 am.
“They enjoy doing this. With all the exercises I conduct, most of the equipment is improvisation whereby we use sticks and towels.
I call our activities playing while exercising. These are not exercises for physical or muscle building, the aim is to ensure that their blood flow is efficient for them to be mentally fit,” he stated.
He said when he arrived at MWB a year ago; he found the seniors were taken from pillar to post regarding the registration, and people took advantage of the seniors.
“They promised to help them and took their names, surnames and ID numbers, but the promises were not fulfilled.
When I joined them through the Department of Social Development and DSAC, I decided to assist them in registering,” he said.
Another important activity is their participation in the Golden Games, arranged by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC).
“This year three of our seniors went to compete at the provincial games. They returned with silver medals. Hopefully, next year we will bring gold medals,” he continued.
We are pleading with our councillors to provide us with a space, so we can source containers for seniors to exercise indoors because when it is raining or there is bad weather, it becomes a problem for seniors to do what they love.”
Plans
Motsene mentioned that the group plans to get funding to help them manage the organisation and a venue that can accommodate a large group of senior citizens at Ext 28 and the neighbouring sections.
