Retired teacher Victoria Komana’s reaction to witnessing the loneliness of the elderly in the small town of Alice 16 years ago was to organise a Christmas party for them.
“After we hosted this first Christmas party pensioners asked me to host it for them again. The party was so well-received that it led to me opening a day centre especially for them,” said Komana at this year’s Christmas party held on Tuesday.
In 2003 she opened the Phumalanga Old Age Centre in Alice, without government funding, but with great support from local businesses.
“I wanted something that would plough back to the community and, after hosting the party for the elderly, it became clear to me that this is what God wanted me to do,” she said.
The Phumalanga Old Age Centre, which caters for the senior citizens of Alice and operates every day from Monday to Friday, gives older folk the chance to participate in physical activities.
“I used to wonder what old people get up to during the day when there is no one around to take care of them. This centre is a great solution to help our elderly during the day, and it is also a place for them to relax and forget about their problems,” said Komana.
Tuesday’s Christmas party was attended by not only those using the centre, but old-age homes and centres throughout the Raymond Mhlaba district.
Over 100 elderly attended the party and the tent was filled with cheer as the elderly enjoyed performances from musicians as well as motivational speeches. After this they were treated to lunch and received blankets as Christmas gifts.
Ward councillor Singilizwe Nivi said: “I am here to represent the mayor and the Raymond Mhlaba municipality to show our support for old-age homes and centres. We are grateful for the great initiative that is Phumalanga – old people need support, care and love.”
Centenarian Ntombana Bambase said: “I am happy. This is a great day for me. It is nice when we are shown love and we are remembered as the elderly. I really appreciate this day and the gifts we got.”
Funiwe Shanga, who is also 100 years old, said: “When you get old you are forgotten. Today proved to us that we are not forgotten as the elderly people of this community. We are happy and grateful.”..