A Province at Work - Reaching out to the Senior Citizens of Groutville in KwaDukuza (isiZulu)
Story and pictures by Vusi Shabalala
On Tuesday 1 October 2019, the weather was chilly, breezy and windy when the ‘Communication Team’ joined
all other provincial departments at the 2019 Senior Citizens Parliament, aprestigious event held at Thembeni
Sportsfield, Groutville in KwaDukuza Municipality, Stanger. Senior citizens of Groutville and the surrounding
areas were in real touch with the ‘provincial government’. In essence, this was the celebration of International
Day for Senior Citizens. The event was celebrated under the theme “Older Persons Moving South Africa
Forward”. The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Mr. Sihle Zikalala, graced the event and was accompanied
by a team of bold women, who are also part of the Provincial Cabinet. They eagerly showered the elderlies with
all the joys and happiness they deserve.Mrs. Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, MEC for Human Settlements and Public
Work was the busiest person – serving as the day’s Programme Director.
In attendance and also supporting the Premier were the following cabinet members, who were also included in
the programme outline, namely religious leaders, Cllr Gumede – the Mayor of ILembe District Municipality, Mrs
Memela, the Chair of Provincial Senior Citizen Forum, Honourable Mbatha-Cele – Chairperson of Quality of Life
Standing Committee, Ms Khoza the MEC for Department of Social Development and Cllr Govender – Mayor of
KwaDukuza Municipality who also rendered a ‘thanks giving’ message.
Before the programme started, essential services were rendered for the Senior Citizens. Services were offered
by provincial departments that included Social Development, Home Affairs, Health and SASSA, not excluding
Public Works. A throng of very good looking and orderly elderlies gathered in the exhibition marquee where
interactive sessions were conducted by health practitioners from the provincial department of health with an
aim at sharing vital health tips that would be of assistance to those who suffer from various chronic ailments.
This was quite a relevant day and session, amid the spate of gender based violence that shook the country in
recent weeks, the elderlies from Groutville were all geared up to find solace and enjoy the day with
‘government’. One may agree that when age takes its toll, one feels the comfort of joy, cogitation, tranquillity
and everlasting peace. The event did not have any space or room for despair.
In his keynote address, Premier Zikalala has been very diplomatic but direct with government’s stance to
robustly respond to the plights of the senior citizens of KwaZulu-Natal. It is well thought of that government will
remain committed to health insurance program for elderly, Persons with Disabilities, the youth, the destitute
and those individuals with low income and limited resources. In addition, they will be offered required medical
services, hospitalization, counselling services, safety and protection as well as home health care
benefits.According to Mr Zikalala, the provincial government further aims at providing life-enhancing services
and vital support to people in later life. This is a move where the older persons will see a South Africa that
moves forward.
Members of Parliament, senior citizens, guests and community members alike received a music treat from two
choral groups namely, ‘the Crocodiles’, a male choral group from the South Coast and an all women choir that
had to soothe the spirit of the gathering with joyfulness. In addition, a young, vibrant and promising female
vocalist, was at the heart of the event as she kept the audience, especially the senior citizensto the dance floor
with her gospel tunes.
Towards the day’s closure, the programme director listed all activities that will be taken care of during Day 2 –
Wednesday 2 October 2019. However, an emphasis was more placed on presentation and debate in respect of
progress made on implementation of the 2018 Resolutions. The story continues.