Iron-willed Qunu pensioners are refusing to let age get in their way and have clubbed together to make their sunset years happier and more meaningful.
Members of Empa Inga Older Person’s Project (EIOPP) are involved in a variety of recreational and skills development initiatives to keep them fit, healthy and self-reliant.
The group have made a passionate plea to good Samaritans to fund their project and help them realise their dream of visiting the prison where one of their famous neighbours, the late former president Nelson Mandela spent most of his life.
EIOPP was formed in 2007 and has up to 50 members who are older than 60 years.
They meet three days a week and keep their hands and bodies busy by doing beadwork, knitting, arts and crafts, playing soccer, taking brisk walks, and they design grass mats and trays to raise funds to buy their daily meals.
Their primary funder is the Department of Social Development.
EIPPP centre spokeswoman Nobanzi Finini said Robben Island had an “emotional connection” for members but they could not afford the trip to Cape Town.
“Robben Island has an emotional attachment to them because that’s where one of their neighbours, Tatu Nelson Mandela spent most of his life. They have seen a replica of his cell at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu but their biggest dream is to see it in real life,” she said.
Some of them still miss the gifts they received while attending Madiba’s annual birthday celebrations.
Dressed to the nines, the group toured the newly refurbished Mthatha Airport on Tuesday and returned with lots of tales for their grandchildren, said Finini.
Nozipho Adelaide Jubase, 81, said: “It was so nice I wish we didn’t have to leave the airport.”
Being a member of the club had changed her life for the better.
“We encourage others not to bask in the sun doing nothing. Gym keeps us fresh. You feel changed after gym. One is able to stand up and make your own tea and food instead of sitting down and pointing fingers,” she said.
Finini said five members of the group took part in the Golden Games this year after winning gold in 2012.
“Sport keeps us active and healthy. We have to stay fresh and not rush towards age where we develop arthritis which makes one inactive,” she said.
Senior citizens were vulnerable to thugs after their pension payments and the EIOPP provided a safe haven.
“Some of the members live alone and used to feel that no one cared for them. One of of our women had to relocate after she was nearly raped by young boys.
“When we get together we also meet with social workers to discuss problems,” said Finini.
Mandela’s friends eager to visit Robben Island
Members of Empa Inga Older Person’s Project (EIOPP) are involved in a variety of recreational and skills development initiatives to keep them fit, healthy and self-reliant.
The group have made a passionate plea to good Samaritans to fund their project and help them realise their dream of visiting the prison where one of their famous neighbours, the late former president Nelson Mandela spent most of his life.
EIOPP was formed in 2007 and has up to 50 members who are older than 60 years.
They meet three days a week and keep their hands and bodies busy by doing beadwork, knitting, arts and crafts, playing soccer, taking brisk walks, and they design grass mats and trays to raise funds to buy their daily meals.
Their primary funder is the Department of Social Development.
EIPPP centre spokeswoman Nobanzi Finini said Robben Island had an “emotional connection” for members but they could not afford the trip to Cape Town.
“Robben Island has an emotional attachment to them because that’s where one of their neighbours, Tatu Nelson Mandela spent most of his life. They have seen a replica of his cell at the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu but their biggest dream is to see it in real life,” she said.
Some of them still miss the gifts they received while attending Madiba’s annual birthday celebrations.
Dressed to the nines, the group toured the newly refurbished Mthatha Airport on Tuesday and returned with lots of tales for their grandchildren, said Finini.
Nozipho Adelaide Jubase, 81, said: “It was so nice I wish we didn’t have to leave the airport.”
Being a member of the club had changed her life for the better.
“We encourage others not to bask in the sun doing nothing. Gym keeps us fresh. You feel changed after gym. One is able to stand up and make your own tea and food instead of sitting down and pointing fingers,” she said.
Finini said five members of the group took part in the Golden Games this year after winning gold in 2012.
“Sport keeps us active and healthy. We have to stay fresh and not rush towards age where we develop arthritis which makes one inactive,” she said.
Senior citizens were vulnerable to thugs after their pension payments and the EIOPP provided a safe haven.
“Some of the members live alone and used to feel that no one cared for them. One of of our women had to relocate after she was nearly raped by young boys.
“When we get together we also meet with social workers to discuss problems,” said Finini.
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