Boskruin resident Holly Naidoo noticed a gap in her community.

There was no gathering place for senior citizens in her area, so she decided to create one herself. “I decided that I’m going to do it. I’m going to start an old age senior citizens get together in this area.”
Naidoo started the Golden Years Club in 2024 with nothing more than a plan and a stack of pamphlets.

She placed these at local stores and other shops around the area to spread the word. She booked a hall, arranged chairs and tables, and brought her own tablecloths to prepare for the first meeting. She had no idea how many people, if any, would show up. “I actually wasn’t nervous. I just sorted everything out, and boom, everybody came.”

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On that first day, 23 people arrived. Since then, the club has continued to grow through word of mouth, with members telling their friends and neighbours about the group.

For Naidoo, the club is about more than just passing the time. She believes it fills an important need for older people who often feel isolated, even from their own families. “Younger people, as our children, they listen to our stories, but they’re not really interested in listening to what we have to say. We’re just happy that we’ve got friends.”

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She explained that people living in suburbs often do not know their neighbours well, which can make daily life lonely. The club gives members a reason to leave the house and spend time with others who understand their experiences. “We enjoy the same things, we play the same games, we had the same children when we were young, all those things. We are the same ages.”

The Golden Years Club has kept its members busy with a wide range of activities. These include a bus trip to Emerald Casino and Resort, a best dressed competition, a best hat competition, and raffles, including one for a donated television.

Members also took part in a walk around the area, where every participant received a trophy regardless of where they finished. The club sometimes swaps its usual hall for outings to local restaurants, and last year’s Christmas lunch was held at a venue with a swimming pool.

Joining the club is simple. Interested pensioners are encouraged to phone Naidoo first so she can explain what the group is about, although newcomers are also welcome to arrive on the day. “I don’t turn anyone away. If you want to come and join us, you’re welcome.”

The next meeting will take place on July 25 at Wimpy Summer Fields, where members will enjoy a full English breakfast for R50, a special rate arranged for the pensioners.

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