The Mangaung Older Persons Forum in Bloemfontein has undertaken a special initiative to pay homage to senior citizens reaching certain milestone ages.
This social club honours anyone celebrating 80th to 100th birthdays and beyond.
The forum presented senior citizen awards to a group of octogenarians and centenarians at an event held in Bloemfontein on 18 February.
The recipients were those who celebrated their birthdays during the first three months of the year.
According to Lumka Mvambi, chairperson of the forum, it is fitting to honour senior citizens while they are alive.
“We give them roses while they can still smell the freshness. Recognition given after the soul has gone, is useless. We are trying to change the custom of waiting until people are gone to honour them.”
Mvambi said each recipient is a knowledge keeper of society and a great ambassador for adulthood.
“A society is measured by how it cares for its senior citizens. We are very grateful that every single one of them has reached this age. They are treasures of the beautiful miracle that is life.”
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a centenarian certificate to Solejane Qwenche, who turned 104.
Qwenche, part of the Greatest Generation (generally defined as people born from 1901 to 1927), has lived through periods of war, crisis and economic depression to reach this great milestone.
According to Mvambi, the forum aims to enhance senior citizens’ lifespan by encouraging a healthy lifestyle and participation in suitable sporting activities.
