Praying, joking and eating together

Every Monday and Wednesday more than 80 Groutville “gogos and mkhulus” can be found dancing, singing, exercising and praying at an Isizwe Sendumiso Church, thanks to the Zamipilo Old Age Group.

Founded by Mavis Zikhali, with the help of seven other unemployed women from her township, the ladies of Zamipilo Old Age Group have dedicated their time to ensure that senior citizens can meet and spend quality time, without being troubled by grandchildren and some by their own children at their homes.

Dressed in green T-shirts, the women can be seen going around asking for donations to cook breakfast and lunch for the senior citizens.

Whatever is given to them, will be the food for the day.

“I was taking care of orphans for almost ten years and I realised that little attention is being paid to ensure that our senior citizens in the township are kept happy. So, I approached other unemployed ladies and we started the group,” said Zikhali.

She said most senior citizens are being left with grandchildren at home, some are being abused by their children.

You will find old people who are not given food and their pension money is being taken away.

“If one of them is having serious trouble at home, we get the social workers involved so that he or she gets the necessary help.”

“If we could afford it, we could be cooking for them every day and ensure that they get to exercise,” said Zikhali.

When the Courier visited the church, the “gogos” expressed gratitude to the initiative taken by these ladies.

“We call them our mothers, they are taking good care of us. When I am here I forget all the trouble I have at home. The two days in a week (Monday and Wednesday) have turned into my favourite days because it’s the days where I get to meet other gogos’ and we pray, joke and get to share a delicious meal,” said Sthembiso Ndimande.

Ntombize Ngobese, who described herself as the radio of the house, said the joy she gets when she is with other “gogos” cannot be compared to anything.

“I am the most talkative ‘gogo’ of the house. I enjoy being around happy people and the hours I spend here, gives me just that,” said Ngobese.

To help the Zamipilo ladies, you can call 073 021 0310.

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