Social Security Committee Brings Christmas to Elderly

By Surihe Gaomas, New Era

Namibia

December 18, 2007

Residents of the Katutura Old Age Home and the Ouderus Oord (formerly J.T. Potgieter Old Age Home), yesterday had glowing smiles all over their faces.

They had the Social Security Commission (SSC) to thank for this, which as part of its corporate responsibility programme donated goods worth N$10000 to the senior citizens, as a Christmas gift.

The items donated included foodstuffs such as maize-meal, sugar, cooking oil, tomato sauce, sugar, vegetables, Christmas sweets as well as household cleaning materials including brooms, mops and toilet paper.

The owners of the Katter Game Farm also donated two Oryx carcasses to the elderly.

At the handover ceremony, Corporate Affairs Officer of the SSC, Rino Muranda, said the two old age homes were chosen after an assessment of their needs.

"We consulted the old age homes and they gave us a list of the goods that they need the most. This is part of our social responsibility to give something back to the community," explained Muranda.

Chief Executive Officer of the SSC, Festus Hangula, echoing the same sentiments said it is the time of year for giving and in the spirit of the Christmas tradition the donation comes at the right time for the elderly.

"SSC decided to pick the two old age homes because we believe it is very important to acknowledge and realize the important role senior citizens have contributed to this country. They have seen and heard more than we have. So this is just a token of appreciation," said Hangula.

Co-Manager of the Okatjeru Game Farm, Royston Wright, said the game meat was a gesture meant to show the senior citizens they are appreciated in society.

"This was a very good season in terms of the trophy hunting period. So, me and my dad decided to show a small token of appreciation by giving back to the community, of which we are also part. Hopefully, we want to do the same next year as well," said Wright.

"Vulnerable people in society, like the elderly are also in need of some Christmas cheer and they will now be able to describe it as a "a full belly Christmas ," representative of the Katutura Old Age Home, Martha Rukoro, said.

On behalf of the elderly, she expressed gratitude for the gifts.

"We are very grateful for the donation, because we have everything we need for this festive season for the old people here".

"As they say, we have everything because there is also meat," said Rukoro with a smile.

87-year-old Jafet Nangombe summed up the senior citizens' appreciation, saying "Thank you for thinking about us and may God bless you and your family sincerely."

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