Moot gathering for the elderly is a time of spiritual upliftment

Every second Friday, elderly residents of the Moot gather in Capital Park to spend some time together at the community centre in Myburgh Street.

“It started two years ago when I came across a couple of senior citizens from Capital Park. They were lonely and rejected,” said Capital Park residents and ratepayers association chairperson Mike Burt.

“I saw there was a need for an opportunity for them to get out – they needed social interaction because they are part of society after all.”

Burt said the gathering started out small with tea, cake and conversation.

“Then one of the residents, Jan Nel, suggested that we get in artists to perform for the senior citizens,” he said.

“Fortunately, he knew a lot of artists. They are performing for us for free.”

He said even though they started out small, the gathering has now grown to between 30 and 50 people a week.

“Starting with just a small gathering with locals in Capital Park, senior citizens are now attending from all over Pretoria,” he said.

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He said residents came from areas such as Val de Grace, East Lynne and Kwaggasrand.

Burt said attending the gathering was free of charge.

“However, some of the residents do decide to give something to say thanks,” he said.

“This money we then give to the artists to say thanks and to cover their petrol expenses – some of them come from as far as the Free State.”

He said the Renico construction company also started sponsoring eats for the gathering.

Burt said the sessions started with a short sermon and prayer.

“We were able to do this after we started a prayer group. Once a month, all the churches of Capital Park get together for a meeting,” he said.

Burt said this was an attempt to make the event a social and spiritual gathering.

“We need to bring values back into Capital Park,” he said.

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“I have said this many times before without shame, it is my mission to bring Christ back into Capital Park.”

Burt thanked everyone who made the elderly day possible.

“It is truly a highlight to get together every second week, to see senior citizens come together and enjoy each other’s company,” he said.

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