Listening to the loud, firm thuds of dominoes hitting the tables today, anyone standing outside the Stanford Community Hall would have struggled to believe it was a room full of senior citizens!
The energy was high, the rivalry was fierce, and the camaraderie among the local care centres was unmistakable.
The morning began on a heartwarming note when the entire room surprised Overstrand Executive Mayor, Alderman Archie Klaas, by singing Happy Birthday to celebrate his birthday over the weekend.
Ward 8 Councillor and Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Arnie Africa, who organised the event for the second consecutive year, said senior citizens hold a special place in his heart.
“This day is about honouring you and giving you an opportunity to come together, enjoy yourselves and remain active through the various senior clubs and centres across the Overstrand, including Pearly Shell, Lombardie, Overberg Wheelchair Association, St Patrick, Volvertroue, Silwerjare and Siyazama,” he said.
Cllr Africa expressed concern that the elderly often do not receive the same level of support as other community groups. “Businesses are often quick to support schools, sports clubs and youth programmes, but support for the elderly is frequently overlooked. Many pensioners rely on their SASSA grants, while the cost of living continues to rise. We all have a responsibility to do more for the upliftment and wellbeing of our senior citizens,” he said.
Addressing the elderly, Mayor Klaas paid tribute to the older generation for the contribution they have made to building strong communities throughout the Overstrand.
“You have left a legacy. Many of the organisations, programmes and community structures we have today exist because people like you invested your time and energy in making a difference,” he said.
The Mayor also encouraged seniors to continue guiding younger generations.
“We are concerned about our youth. Many children have very little support during the afternoons while parents are still at work. Grandparents and senior citizens have a vital role to play in sharing values, teaching life skills and helping young people discover their potential. Whether it is teaching a child how to work in a garden, fix something at home or start a small business, those lessons are invaluable.”
Mayor Klaas called on the elderly not to lose hope despite the social challenges facing many communities.
“Sometimes it feels as if your contribution is too small to make a difference, but we must never become discouraged. Drop by drop, a bucket is filled. Every positive action matters. We must continue showing our children the right way and never grow tired of doing what is right.”
He added that communities must stand together against challenges such as vandalism and social decay.
“We cannot allow the bad to overcome the good. We must regroup, work together and continue building communities and facilities that we can be proud of. Every person has a role to play, starting with their own family and neighbourhood.”
As the competition unfolded throughout the morning, one thing became clear: the Mayor’s Senior Citizens Domino Competition is about far more than winning: It is about friendship, dignity, active ageing, and celebrating the invaluable role that senior citizens continue to play in the Overstrand community.
