Human Rights Day renowned in honour of the senior citizens of Govan Mbeki Municipality

SECUNDA – The Govan Mbeki Municipality celebrated Human Rights Day on Wednesday, 21 March at the Johannes Stegman Theatre.

The event was held to highlight the rights of the elderly and remember the historical events at Sharpville in 1960.

Different municipal officals from various districts attended the event.

The Omama Besxaxa Foundation kept attendees entertained.

The purpose of the foundation is to imprint and share knowledge of traditional arts.

Ms Thandi Ngxonono, Executive Mayor, welcomed guests and shortly touched on the history of Human Rights Day.

She mentioned the importance of unity as a nation and the challenges we still need to face which are poverty and inequity.

“Why have we become the forgotten generation? We have so much to offer the younger generation.

“We might be getting older, but we are still young at heart, we need more activities to keep us busy not forgetting how the elderly need to be taken care off,” said Ms Ethel Makhele, Govan Mbeki Municipality’s chairperson of the senior citizens.

Ms Makhele shared her appreciation towards the municipality for creating the time to give back to the elderly during Human Rights Day.

She furthermore mentioned the importance of having centres and staying active in the golden years.

Most senior citizens are challenged with having to raise their grandchildren and they can never have enough time to enjoy themselves through games and interaction with their peers.

Ms Thandi Shongwe, MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, was the keynote speaker.

“There are activities and events for the elderly through this department.

“I was raised by my grandmother. I am what I am today because of her teachings and encourage.

“The role the elderly play in the society is big, even though people do not acknowledge it,” said Ms Shongwe

Performances from Joyce Maluleke, Babsy Mlangeni, a live performance by Zamambo and Izintombi Zesimanjemanje got the whole theatre dancing.