‘We are old and happy to know we are cared for’

Windhoek elderly enjoy Christmas party

The Donkerhoek Social Club hosted its annual Christmas lunch to give back to the elderly community on Saturday.

The lunch was held at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort and also involved a tour around the city in a joint initiative with TaTe Diamond Company.

Athelied Musutua (78) told The Namibian that many senior citizens have not seen the majority of the development in Windhoek or even visited hotels.

“We went on a tour of Windhoek and even saw the State House. I have never seen or had lunch inside a lovely restaurant at a hotel before,” she said.

Joel Nakatana (56) said despite being blind and feeling lonely, he is grateful that his community has not lost sight of caring for their elderly people.

“I was born in Donkerhoek in 1968, and I’m still living here. I’ve gotten blind living here,” he said. Nakatana said even though he was not able to see the tour because of his blindness, he experienced the tour through his other senses.

The elderly man expressed his gratitude for being able to live through difficult circumstances.

“My life has been a lot of challenges and pain. I am grateful to have been able to come here and spend time with my community,” he said. David Shikawmbi said the elderly look forward to the event, and to seeing each other, every year. “This is a good way to end a long year. We are old and happy to know we are cared for,” he said.

The club was established in 2014 to show elderly community members appreciation and support.

Club coordinator Afra Kavandje said the Christmas lunch is one of the many ways they have been able to give back to the community and the elderly. “We have also successfully taken money from our savings accounts and contributed to the funeral arrangements of the elderly in Donkerhoek,” she said.

The club also closed down a bar that was operating right in front of a children’s playground and a church, and provides hampers to the vulnerable elderly in the community.

Sponsors TaTe Diamond spokesperson Rachel Manyasha said they have been sponsoring the club for four years because company director Tangeni Shiimi-ya-Shiimi was also a resident of Donkerhoek. “Our director grew up in Donkerhoek. This is his way of giving back to the community that raised him,” she said. Manyasha added that the lunch ensures the elderly can travel to their families during the holidays. “We sponsor this event and make sure the elders get the best treatment,” she said.