EXECUTIVE Mayor Zukiswa Ncitha brought smiles to more than 148 senior citizens when she hosted her first Older Persons Christmas Lunch at the Dimbaza Society for the Aged on Sunday, November 11.

The luncheon was part of the Annual Mayor's Christmas Programme, during which Ncitha will bring some comfort and goodwill to pensioners and children who are in hospital over the festive season.

Speaking at the lunch, Ncitha said it was a goodwill gesture by the metro to recognise the important role played by senior citizens as a reliable electorate.

"As the City, we want to show you that we are a caring municipality and we recognize the role played by senior citizens, especially in exercising their right to vote during elections."

Each person received a goody bag containing a knee rug, toiletries and biscuits. The mayor also urged them not to give away these gifts. "These gifts are only meant for you and I would like to urge you not to give them to your grandchildren. They are meant for you to use them."

According to the City's manager of special programmes, Shaun Petzer, the Christmas initiative sought to bring smiles and a message of hope to vulnerable groups.

"This commitment is born out of recognition of the plight of vulnerable groups and often marginalised groups and the desire to spread some good cheer over the festive season."

This year, the Office of the Executive Mayor would visit a number of institutions and organisations that provided services to older people.

Beatrice Tsiso, a pensioner who lived at the Dimbaza centre, said she was grateful for the entertainment and the gifts.

"We sit here all year long and get a few people to entertain us but we are grateful that today the City has given us such a wonderful treat."