IT was a hive of activity when members of the navy visited the Sinovuyo Old Age Group in Ilitha Park on Mandela Day.
The Simonstown-based fleet cleaned and decorated the community hall which the group uses as its base.
Commander Vuyani Ngxito who is a local resident said he chose the group to be a recipient of their “67 minutes celebration”.
“I have these elderly people working here in conditions that I thought needed to be spruced up,” said Ngxito.
Navy personnel cleaned the garden, painted the inside walls and helped with the erection of a fence around the building which was sponsored by property developer Basson,
They were joined by volunteers from the St Lukes Hospice who treated the elderly to “massage treatment”.
Ngxito said the they collect vegetables from their staff and bring it to the group every three minutes.
“So coming on the Mandela Day was not a fluke, we have them in our minds all the time,” said Ngxito.
Sinovuyo Old Age Group secretary Patricia Ophila said they were very pleased to receive these visitors.
“They have made us to feel special and loved,” he said.
He said group members gather at the hall daily to receive refreshements and much needed exercises.
“Old people can feel very lonely when they at their homes and when they come here they relax and find companionship,” said Ophila.
Group chairwoman Agnes Magodla said they were pleasantly surprised when the navy pulled in.
“We are very happy that they decided to come our way, they have been helping us with vegetables and this was a complete surprise to us,” she said.
Zukile “Nkokeli” Sinama, Elvis Molefe and Mvuzo Stofile who are helping the group to get help said they were also impressed by the visit.
“We want to assist this group and make sure that they get all their needs. Anyone who can donate blankets, clothes , heaters and other needed stuff like heaters, sewing machines and food stuff,” said Sinama.
Mvuzo Stofile urged the community to take care of the elderly. The group was officially given the usage of the hall by Social Service Minister Bathabile Dlaminini.
