Sipho Ncube
​Last Friday, 16 August 2024, Charity and Faith Church in Mamelodi East was alive with music as it hosted the Tshwane Older Persons Choir Festival. Nine senior citizen choirs from across Tshwane came together to participate in this heartwarming event.
The festival, organized by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, featured choirs from Atteridgeville, Mabopane, Hammanskraal, Innercity, Winterveld, Metsweding, Garankuwa, Soshanguve, and Mamelodi. These choirs competed in two categories: choral and traditional, all in preparation for the upcoming Provincial Competition in October.
Ward 18 Councillor, Vusimuzi Masemola, warmly welcomed the participants, expressing pride in hosting such a meaningful event. "We are blessed to have been chosen as the host of this precious older persons' program. You are our forebearers, and we are delighted to have you here," he said.
Social Worker Nthabiseng Malefo highlighted that the program, initiated by the department in 2006, is part of their active aging initiative aimed at engaging and supporting senior citizens.
Chief Physiotherapist from Laudium Community Health Centre, Winnie Rammutla, gave a health talk emphasizing the importance of mental, social, and physical well-being. She reassured the seniors, saying, "Being old or a pensioner does not mean the end; it is a blessing from God. The younger generation should learn from you and preserve your wisdom wholeheartedly."
The day concluded with medals awarded to all participating senior citizens, celebrating their dedication and contributions to the community.