GOLDEN OLDIES INSTIL A SPIRIT OF ACTIVENESS IN YOUNG MINDS

By Boitumelo Boweni

• Drum majors from Mphephethe Primary School in Mpumalanga added vibrancy to the closing day of the National Golden Games, parading in their ceremonial attire before DSD Minister Ms Lindiwe Zulu and Deputy Minister Dr Hendrietta Bogopane Zulu.
• Buhlebezwe Masina (12) and Sivuyile Mguni (13) from Hendrina, Mpumalanga, shared their enthusiasm for witnessing elderly participants competing vigorously in sports, highlighting the importance of staying active and focused.
• Reflecting on their experiences, both Buhlebezwe and Sivuyile expressed aspirations to become coach drum majors, inspired by the determination of older participants to remain active and engaged in sports.

The last day of the National Golden Games has been graced by the presence of drum majors from Mphephethe Primary School in Mpumalanga. The drum majors paraded the Golden Games grounds dressed in their dummies attire in the presence of DSD Minister, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, DSD Deputy Minister Dr Hendrietta Bogopane Zulu and elderly people just before the commencement of the games. 

Buhlebezwe Masina (12) and Sivuyile Mguni (13) from Hendrina, Mpumalanga, serve as drum majors at Mphephete Primary School, where they witness the elderly competing fervently for top honours in sports events.

Both Buhlebezwe and Sivuyile have been active drum majors for two years and have had the opportunity to compete in drum major competitions at a National level. Their biggest highlights were competing in Durban obtaining the sixth position, and having the pleasure of meeting the Minister of Police Hon Bheki Cele. 

Sharing their experience of watching elderly people compete, Buhlebezwe said that she is amazed and excited to see that old people can do sports. “It is encouraging for us so that when we grow old, we don’t become lazy. It teaches us to continue pursuing our drum major because it not only helps us to focus on schoolwork but also helps us to be active and stay away from doing bad things in the streets like drinking alcohol and smoking hubbly.”

Siyuvile encouraged her peers to stay away from drugs and become active. “The old people showed me that you must not give up when you are old. You must encourage yourself every day and keep your body active”, she said.  

Both girls have dreams of becoming coach drum majors and seeing elderly people keep active as old as they are, encourages them to work harder in pursuit of their dreams.