Festive boost for elderly

DEFENCE and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula spread the Christmas spirit yesterday by spending time with the elderly from Mdantsane and surrounding areas.

The minister hosted a luncheon at the Mdantsane Sun hotel.

Mapisa-Nqakula did not arrive empty-handed, but handed over groceries, blankets and other festive gifts to the 83 senior citizens who attended the event.

Ahead of the event, the minister alongside political and community leaders also visited Thembekhaya Old Age Home in Mdantsane where Joy4Joy Foundation was hosting a Christmas lunch for disadvantaged families around East London.

Nqakula also visited the homes of two struggle veterans.

One of them, Celina Mabele, 94, told the minister that she struggled to walk around her home as it is located on a steep hill. Mapisa-Nqakula promised to send the Defence works formation unit to her home to build a rail to help her move around.

Mabele said she was grateful for the visit from the minister. The nonagenarian said this was her first visit from government officials and also the first time of receiving gifts from anyone.

Mabele told the minister that the food she had bought with her social grant had already run out since they had received their grants early this month.

“I am overwhelmed with joy today. I am grateful for the officials who have come to see me and bring me these gifts; my food had run out and these parcels will go a longway … I have struggled to walk around for such a long time, words alone cannot express my gratitude today,” she said.

Mapisa-Nqakula said it was important to hold such events and give a helping hand especially around the festive season because many elderly people no longer had families and lived alone.

“Too many elderly people spend the festive season alone and we would like to help change this by hosting the luncheon today.

“I’ve also had the opportunity to visit other old-age homes and sickly elderly people in and around the Mdantsane community.

“It is very important to look after the elderly and to show them gratitude around the festive season,” said Mapisa-Nqakula. —