The Plane Street Pension Cottages in Tongaat came alive with action and activity as the elderly residents were treated to a day of pampering and care by the Plane Street Youth organisation. The event was part of their Senior Pamper Day programme on Sunday, 4 October.
The large complex of cottages is home almost exclusively to retired and elderly residents. The residents were treated to sumptuous meals for both breakfast and lunch and got to engage in a day of fun, laughter, and dance.
The elderly received manicures, pedicures, and massages until excessive wind disrupted these services, cutting them short. Not to be deterred, the elderly residents continued to enjoy the day, facing off in dance contests and beauty contests.
In addition to pampering and delicious meals, seniors also received medical examinations from Mediclinic. Following blood pressure testing, a trend of high blood pressure was noticed among the seniors. Founder of the group, Dinah Perumal, said: “Thank you to Mediclinic. During blood pressure testing a high number of residents were found to be affected by high blood pressure, Mediclinic will return at a later date to raise blood pressure awareness and educate the elderly on steps for treatment.”
The Plane Street Youth Group is an organisation aimed at empowering the community’s young people and equipping them with the skills to build a brighter future. It is a revival of a youth group last active in 2009 and was relaunched in August 2024.
Perumal said: “Looking around the community I did not like what I was saw; there were many school leavers, teenage pregnancy and rampant drug use. After some though I decided to gather the areas young people and start this youth group where young people can be guided away from destructive and self-sabotaging behaviour. Here, they can be lead down a path of responsibility and community service.”
Ricky Naidoo from key event sponsor Venk Pac, said: “The Plane Street Youth Group is the kind of organisation I would like to see proliferate and spread. Tongaat, like many other areas face a lack of leadership qualities among the youth. This lack of leadership comes from a lack of opportunity to learn these roles and grow into them. This kind of organisation keeps kids busy doing positive work, keeping them away from things like drugs, crime and delinquent behaviour by providing a safe healthy space for them.”
Chairperson of the Group, 22-year-old Lloyd Daniel Pillay, said: “This is our first big event since launching the youth group and I am proud of the good work the youth has done to ensure this event is a success. The idea of these large events is to not only serve their intended function but also bring the community together, to work hand in hand and foster a true sense of community.”
Speaking on the Pamper Day, Naidoo said: “Many elderly are without their children and often find themselves leading lonely lives, having the youth care for and assist them through events like this and other programmes are a benefit to both sides. The youth will develop skills and good habits while having the opportunity to learn from the experienced seniors. We have seen this kind of constant support from youth at the Verulam Frailcare Centre and we can have in in Tongaat as well.”
