Elderly citizens roar with joy at free zoo visit

In celebration of Elderly Month, the Rainbow Stars Youth Organisation (RSYO) treated 34 senior citizens from Pimville’s zones 1, 2, and 3 to a free visit to the zoo on October 25.

The RSYO’s founder, Lerato Radebe, was excited about the outing, saying many of the elderly citizens had never been to the zoo and the RSYO wanted to make it a special day for them.

The RSYO provides elderly citizens with nutritional and psychosocial support, aiming to bring joy and excitement to its beneficiaries.

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Radebe said their programme assists with issues affecting the elderly in their homes and with their children, providing nutrition and a support system.

Some of the elderly citizens shared their thoughts on the outing. Disimelo Nthongwa said it felt good to take a day away from the children, noise and stress. She expected to have a good day exploring the zoo and connecting with people and friends.

The trip surprised Mandla Mncupe, who is grateful to a boy he raised who offered to pay for his transport. He had not been to the zoo since his school days in 1962 and was thrilled to visit again.

Piet Malatshi wished the trip could happen annually because it allows him to relax with his partners and capture animal photographs to show his grandchildren.

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The outing was a resounding success, with the elderly citizens eagerly anticipating their visit to the zoo.

The RSYO initially planned to take 65 elderly citizens but faced logistical challenges.

However, Radebe remains optimistic, hoping to accommodate more elderly citizens with the help of partners next time.

The RSYO is a community-based NPC providing support to elderly citizens in Pimville. Its programmes focus on nutritional and psychosocial support and community engagement.