UThukela District’s First Lady, Cllr Ndlunkulu Shabalala, with a Burford senior citizen
During hardships it is vital to have humanity and show compassion, and thanks to uThukela District’s First Lady, Councillor Ndlunkulu Shabalala, hope was recently restored to the senior citizens of Burford who came out in their numbers to attend the event hosted by Cllr Shabalala together with Cllr Hlongwane, Cllr NW Mchunu and Mrs Zakwe.
The event started with the word of God delivered by Pastor Maphalala. Outlining the purpose of the day, Cllr Shabalala said this engagement was aimed at fighting poverty, overseeing the plight of the community and elderly people they serve and making sure that they are taken care of. She also emphasised building a good working relationship between communities and senior citizens. Cllr Shabalala thanked all stakeholders for their efforts and contributions to assisting and prioritising senior citizens.
Various speakers gave messages of support, speaking strongly about peace and humanity. UThukela District Women’s Spokesperson, Mrs Zakwe, spoke on behalf of the women and encouraged them to be confident. “As women, we need not be ashamed to accept all the positions we are elected to and we must plant and have gardens so that we can feed our families and fight poverty as our country faces economic challenges,” she said.
Chairperson for the senior citizens, Ms Mavimbela, encouraged senior citizens to keep in shape by getting involved in sporting activities to help fight against chronic diseases. Mavimbela continued by encouraging the elderly to manage their budget. During the event, disabled people were also offered the opportunity to speak. Their spokesperson, Sthabile Zulu, said that they were happy as people living with disabilities to be included in such events. The First Lady expressed her gratitude to senior citizens by showering them with gifts such as blankets and food parcels.
“This simple gesture means so much to our senior citizens as it not only allows them to feel included and share the joy of being loved but this is a gesture to show that we appreciate and love them,” concluded Cllr Shabalala.
