Joburg’s red bus treat for pensioners
Their first stop was the SAB World of Beer (usually stop 7), where the pensioners joined a tour in which they learnt about the history of beer.
CITY Sightseeing together with Baobabes and Gogo on Tour, hosted a group of about 20 pensioners on Joburg’s red hop-on, hop-off bus on Wednesday, April 20, and they loved every moment.
Gogo on Tour is a non-profit organisation that offers senior citizens the opportunity to explore various parts of South Africa. Many of them are assisting their children financially or raising their grandchildren on small state pensions.
Christine Tworeck, general manager of City Sightseeing Johannesburg, said to forget about their travails for a day and be treated to a trip through Johannesburg. “The gogos and mkhulus (grandmothers and grandfathers) hopped on the double-decker bus at Gold Reef City Casino Hotel (stop 4). As the bus moved through the city streets, they broke into song every now and again, their excitement almost tangible,” she said.
Their first stop was the SAB World of Beer (stop 7), where the pensioners joined a tour in which they learnt about the history of beer. “Now I know how people make beer. I didn’t know where beer started, but today I know. I’m very happy for everything,” said Delia Phetle (72).
They were in awe as the red bus crossed Nelson Mandela Bridge in the CBD on the way to Constitution Hill (stop 11) for a historical tour of the women’s jail. Emotions ran high as they walked through the cells where black women used to be held in solitary confinement years ago.
“When I see this prison, my heart beats slowly. This was a terrible life,” said James Makhwelo (72) as he looked into one of the cells.
When asked if she enjoyed the tour, Ruth Makhubela (62) answered: “Too much. To the fullest. I was the happiest today – to tour is my dream.”
Christine said, “What I loved most about today was experiencing the city through the gogos’ eyes. Our bus tour shows the essence of the city and now they have the opportunity to experience it.”
Baobabes director Caryl Kelly added, “What a privilege to give our elderly the opportunity to see their city from a different perspective.” Baobabes is a group of women who aim to help those less fortunate. They’ll be hosting a fundraising dinner in support of Gogo on Tour on May 26.
