Senior citizens were the bedrock of society, said Executive Mayor Zamuxolo Peter at Makana’s Christmas party for senior citizens at the City Hall on Tuesday.

He was talking to around 200 elderly people, the oldest being 106, from senior citizen centres in the municipality. Parents needed to be honoured, he said.

“Some parents here have reached 100 years and that is a blessing, or bonus, from God,” said Peter. “Even our oldest nurses have played a wonderful role on keeping our parents alive.” He said his generation would support senior citizens with everything they had.

“We take our strength from you in order for us to carry on our tasks,” said Peter.

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Words by Thembani Onceya

Photos by Matthew Smith Miller

WAR VET... The Mayor presented congratulatory framed pictures to centenarians who attended, including Viv Glass, 102. Glass is one of a few surviving veterans of the Second World War who were honoured last month during Remembrance Day commemorations.
	Executive Mayor of Grahamstown, Zamuxolo Peter punlically acknowledges the enormous social contribution of Makana's elders.
MARCH ON... Rachel Kirkwood, 84, Drum Major of the Senior Citizens Antic Group, leads a procession including Executive Mayor Zamuxolo Peter and Municipal Manager Ntombi Baart.	Nonzima Rosie Hesi, 101, was honored by the Mayor along with other centenarians. Photos: Matthew Smith Miller
Municipal manager Ntombi Baart addreses the elderly