Old citizens celebrated in style

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Nelson Mandela once said, “A society that does not value its elderly citizens, denies its roots and endangers its future. He said that we should strive to enhance their capacity to support themselves for as long as possible and, when they cannot do so anymore, we should take care of them.

It is in support of this philosophy that the Newcastle Municipality decided to celebrate the elderly yesterday the 20th of December 2016 at an event held at Madadeni Community Hall.

Addressing the attendees Newcastle Mayor M. Nkosi said that he feels honoured to be in the same room with the generation that fought for freedom and made S.A to be what it is today. “We know all the difficulties you went through, all the struggles you had to endure to make sure your children enjoy freedom and we are more than thankful ‘’ said Cllr Nkosi.

In addiction Newcastle Mayor eluded that as the Municipality they understand that the struggles that the elderly have experienced in the past is not yet over because now they are facing a new form of pain “Your own children have become your own oppressors, they go and get pregnant and then dump their children with you to look after with your pension money and that is unacceptable. This is definitely a challenge that the Municipality together with society will work hand in hand to stop. ”Concluded Nkosi

Present to celebrate this prestigious day with the elderly was Deputy Mayor Dudu Sibiya, Ward 23 Cllr N. Ngcobo, Newcastle Speaker J.Khumalo and Newcastle Municipality Municipal Manager Mr Errol Mswane.
In closing the Deputy Mayor thanked all who attended, she thanked the Special programmes unit for affording the elderly an opportunity to be celebrated.

A modelling competition between the ladies and the gentlemen was conducted as a form of entertainment and they were also showered with Christmas presents

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Mayor receives cake for Christmas

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Old gogos showing off their modelling and dancing talents.

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Gogo Skhakhane showing off her beautiful Christmas present