Pensioners given
a festive lunch
By Nangamso Mabindla
12 December 2007
PENSIONERS from East London gathered to break bread with Executive Mayor Zintle Peter, when she hosted a Christmas lunch at the City Hall on Tuesday, 10 December.
The lunch was part of the mayor's annual Christmas Outreach Programme, which included visits to hospitals to give toys to children who will be spending the festive season in the wards. The lunch was the third to be held; pensioners in Mdantsane and Dimbaza were also treated.
Peter teamed up with the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) to host the lunches. Speaking at the City Hall, Peter said it was important to take care of older people.
"We know that this is not much, but we want to show that we care for the elderly among us … we do appreciate the role you have to play in our city."
She urged senior citizens to play their part in developmental local government and raise their concerns through the City's community outreach programmes, the Integrated Development Plan and the annual Mayoral Imbizo.
"But today I want to say that we need to be happy this season and be giving. I wanted to play my part and give something back to you. I know that some of you are neglected, as Buffalo City and Sassa we want to show you that there is someone out there who cares about you."
She thanked Sassa for helping to ensure the City's outreach programme was successful. Following the lunch, the pensioners were given food parcels to take home to their families. The entertainment was courtesy of local bands, which serenaded the diners with jazz.
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