Senior citizens from Mamelodi East commemorated cultural diversity through song, dance and traditional attire to mark Heritage Month.

Members of the Kukanang Project Centre for the Elderly gathered on September 29 dressed in Tsonga, Tswana, Pedi, Ndebele, Swati, Venda and Afrikaner attire.

Newly elected chairperson Simon Exi Sebothoma said the centre plans to host the event annually.

Sebothoma said members embraced different cultures through singing and dancing in various languages.

“The elderly celebrated the day by singing and dancing, which is part of exercising that slows ageing, promotes good health and mental vitality,” he said.

Bridging the generational gap

Sebothoma said the Centre for the Care and Support Empowerment was invited to speak about the importance of teaching younger generations about their culture.

He said the gap between elderly people and younger generations is growing rapidly.

Sebothoma added that young people need to listen to senior citizens because they have a lot to learn from them.

Improving health and vitality

One senior citizen, Magdeline Molambo, said she joined the centre last year and enjoys attending every day.

Molambo said the centre helps older adults fight boredom at home by offering social activities, exercise programmes and community projects.

She said the centre keeps members healthy and strong.

“No more complaining about aching joints and suffering a lot from chronic diseases,” Molambo added.

She shared that before joining the club, she suffered from body pains, diabetes and high blood pressure, but felt healthier, stronger and happier after a few months.

“All the exercise helps the healing process and reduces the number of visits to the doctor,” she said.

Community support needed

Constance Mangwane of the centre said it operates three days a week, Monday to Wednesday, from 09:00 to 12:00.

Mangwane said the centre welcomes everyone and is looking for grandfathers to run its vegetable garden.

She added that the centre needs to reach a point where it can operate daily and urgently requires donations of vegetable seeds, beads, wool and sewing machines.

The centre is situated at the Matimba Sinqobile Integrated Centre in Mamelodi East Ext 5.

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