By Buziwe Nocuze
Clubs for the elderly in Gugulethu, Cape Town decided to hold a memorial service for all their fellow-members who died of Covid-19 complications in the last two years.
When Covid-19 was at its worst, many people could not bury their friends and families because of the strict regulations concerning funerals. The old people came together to right that wrong.
They sang and danced and shared the good memories they had with their friends who were no longer with them.
Sheila Mguda, organiser and club assistant, said it was important to remember the victims.
“We decided to have the prayers and candlelight to remember them because we never got the chance to bury them. It was difficult for some of these people to accept that they were gone since they were not allowed to go to the funerals,” she said.
Members from twenty-one clubs attended the event which was held at the Gugulethu Sports Complex on Sunday.
“We lost at least 15 members, it was sad, and everyone was afraid of dying because of Covid-19,” said Sheila,
The elderly also used the day to highlight a worrying recent trend of seniors facing abuse from their grandchildren.
“We have a lot of stories about grandchildren abusing their grandmothers or grandfathers and we call on them to stop doing that. We are the ones who raised them. All they need is love and respect,” Sheila said.
Nomalizo Biata said she couldn’t bury her friend but was happy to get the opportunity to remember her now.
“I couldn’t attend her funeral because of the regulations and I wasn’t feeling well. Having this prayer feels like having their funeral. Now we will be able to move on with our lives,” said Nomalizo.
Phindiswa Gabulana, a 39-year-old, said she loved seeing the older people being happy.
“They are always happy when they are together and I am glad they had a chance to remember their friends.”
The Gugulethu Elderly Clubs consist of different clubs from different sections where pensioners meet daily from 9am to 3pm to do different activities including beads work, exercise and sewing.
