Matshepo Mahlangu’s new Sizoma Seniors Club brings joy to Gresswold elders
Inspired by the retirement experience she wished for her parents, local resident Matshepo Mahlangu has launched a vibrant non-profit club where seniors enjoy lively conversations, games and a signature foot massage three days a week.
The Sizoma Seniors Club, opened two months ago by Matshepo Mahlangu in Gresswold, was born from her desire to honour her parents by giving senior citizens an enjoyable and fulfilling retirement.
The club operates under a registered non-profit company, and its name, Sizoma, is inspired by her parents, Simon and Zodwa Mahlangu.
Mahlangu explained what the club means to her: “This is my personal ministry. It’s about glorifying God through service to humanity, and it’s also in honour of my late parents.” She said her vision was to create a space her parents would have loved in their golden years.
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“I’m trying to create an experience for these elderly people, the same experience I would have wanted my parents to have.” The facility runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 15:00, welcoming elders to enjoy lively conversations, games, dance and exercise.
Mahlangu said the club was designed to help seniors avoid spending their days alone at home, instead encouraging them to connect with peers and take part in activities that strengthen their mental, physical and social well-being.
Each morning begins with tea, sandwiches and biscuits, followed by gentle aerobics, games and dancing to music from their era.
“We call it aerobics, but it’s very gentle aerobics. We don’t want to push them; they do what their bodies can manage at this point. And then there’s an element of dance as well, which they love.”
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Before the day ends, participants are served a hot lunch and treated to the club’s signature offering.
“We’ve got what we call our signature treatment, which is the foot massage. They get that just before they go home, and they just love those massages.”
Mahlangu keeps the club running with the help of two trained caregivers, an auxiliary nurse, a dance and exercise instructor, and transport staff who fetch and return the ladies. Beyond the club, the organisation also serves the community every Thursday through a soup kitchen at Bramley Park and Glenhazel Park.
Looking ahead, Mahlangu hopes to welcome people from different communities and form partnerships with those who share her passion for elderly care.
“I’m hoping this will inspire and motivate others not to write off the elderly. I always say they are retired, not expired.” Her dream is to see more initiatives inviting elders to enjoy their golden years.
Details: justjudy@mweb.co.za
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