Older does not mean colder at this pageant

POLOKWANE – A beauty pageant with a difference was presented by the department of social development together with the South African Social Security Agency, National Development Agency, and the Older Persons’ Forum at Bolivia Lodge last Tuesday.

The beauty pageant was designed specifically for senior citizens, who vied for the title of Golden Boy or Golden Girl with a lot of enthusiasm.

According to social development MEC Joyce Mashamba, the event was aimed at honouring the province’s senior citizens and gave them the opportunity to interact with each other.

Participants were from all five districts of the province.

The winners of the pageant were:

Women:

• Winnie Manamela, Golden Girl;

• Mokgaetsi Namane, first princess;

• Sarah Munyai, second princess; and

• Emily Ledwaba, Miss Personality.

Men:

• Solomon Nchabeleng, Golden Boy;

• Bethuel Malepe, first prince;

• Frans Mutele, second prince; and

• Daniel Machavi, Mr Personality.

The winners went home with some stunning prizes.

The Golden Girl and Golden Boy each received a stove, the first princess and first prince received a fridge each, and the second princess and second prince won microwave ovens. Miss and Mr Personality received home theatre systems.

Mashamba further added that October was Social Development Month and the support of, and caring for, older people remained key in the department’s efforts to create caring and self-sustaining communities as per the National Development Plan’s Vision 2030.

She said the aim of activities focusing on older people was to protect their rights and dignity, and to acknowledge their rights, under the Constitution, of equal rights and opportunities.

“While our senior citizens deserve special treatment due to their advanced age, they also need to actively participate in community events. They need not be overlooked or stashed away in the corners of our communities. In fact, we should treasure them as icons and historians that have a lot to teach us about life,” Mashamba said.

She further acknowledged the meaningful role that older persons continued to play in all areas of society including politics, voluntary and community work, and family life.