By Mbukani Mthethwa
Elderly residents from the Ethembeni Service Centre old age home participated in the “Big Walk for the Elderly” on Wednesday. The event was organised and sponsored by Peezee Finance to promote active living and give back to the community.
The walk started at Soccer City and continued all the way to the Cathedral church, where participants were welcomed with warm hands, refreshments and music. The elderly were joined by Peezee Finance staff, volunteers and caregivers, creating a lively atmosphere filled with unity and enjoyable moments.
A fulfilling journey
The walk was very fulfilling as it brought attention to Makhanda and highlighted the importance of staying active. The elderly participants expressed gratitude throughout the journey and at the end. One elderly participant described the big walk as “bringing back the spirit”.
“The journey was a success thanks to the Makhanda community,” said organiser Esihle Matshaya. When asked what inspired Peezee Finance to host this event, Matshaya explained that the company has been working in the Makhanda community for the last seven years, and the community has supported them throughout. They wanted to reciprocate that energy back to Makhanda.
“The journey was not only for active engagement, we wanted to uplift the elderly because most of the time people uplift young people or youth centred projects,” said Matshaya.
Moments of joy and unity
Many participants walked hand in hand, moving lovingly along the streets. The journey put smiles on the faces of the elderly as it brought back their spirits. Volunteers handed out water bottles and religious music played in the background.
One 67-year-old participant, reflecting on the overall experience of the big walk, said: “Ndizive ngimutsha ngizalwe kabusha, bekumnandi ukuhlangana nani sengathi niphinde nibuye apha sibonane” (I feel new, like I’ve been born again. It was wonderful to meet you all, please come back so we can see each other again).
Another elderly participant, aged 74, said: “I feel happy and strong. It’s good to walk and be together with others.”
Looking to the future
The big walk ended with a handover of goods to the old age home and words of gratitude from both organisers and participants. Peezee Finance hopes to make this event an annual tradition to continue supporting the elderly in Makhanda.
