We need to band together
KRISH Gounden, the CEO of the Clare Estate Senior Citizens Association (Cesca), said the association was nondenominational and non-governmental and welcomed all, irrespective of race, culture or class.
Gounden, 61, of Clare Estate, has been with Cesca since it was started in 2014.
“The association was the brainchild of myself, Roshan Autar and Aroon Edward. We wanted to create something that was not termed a club and open to everyone, without sectional and linguistic divisions.
“We first fell under the auspices of the Clare Estate Developmental Forum, which was the umbrella body for the educational and policing forums, among others.
“We soon broke away, went on our own and became Cesca, a non-profit organisation. We are registered with the Department of Social Development.”
Reflecting on how they started, he said that after doing research, they found that the majority of poor seniors were neglected.
“These poor people were not accepted in affluent clubs. There was a lot of segregation within the Indian community, which is still rife. This is sad as we are a minority in this country and need to band together irrespective of religion, class or creed.”
Gounden said they then secured a property in Clare Estate and built a R13 million building, which currently housed 28 senior residents.
“We provide all their meals and
morning and afternoon tea. Their beds are made and their clothes are washed and ironed.
“We do not get funding from the government, so the expenses are managed by the residents’ grants and guarantors pay the balance.”
Other than providing accommodation, the 90 members from Cesca enjoy social gatherings.
“Twice a month, we gather at our state-of-the art hall where there are discourses, entertainment, tea, snacks and lunch and then we have one outing for that month.
“Motivational speakers come in from time to time.
“The Sai organisation comes in as well for medical camps. We also have the Cansa Relay organisation from Reservoir
Hills together with Cansa that do blood tests for cancer for all of our members. The seniors also love to play musical chairs and the ‘Pick-a-Box’ show. We make it lively and fun for them.”
He said the next planned outing was a picnic at Park Rynie.
“We are also arranging a three-night stay in Margate.”
The members pay R300 a year. “What is good about our gatherings is that we do not rush the members.
“They can sit after the programme and play board games, cards and so on.
“Anyone over 60 is welcome to join and not only from Clare Estate but from anywhere.”