Johannesburg – Sukuma Mbokodo Support Group, which celebrates the resilience of Ekurhuleni’s elderly citizens, has announced a beauty pageant for them.
Organisers said the pageant, which aims to uplift and empower grannies, was a continuation of Mothers’ Day celebrations.
At least 16 Gogo’s from Ekurhuleni have been preparing for a beauty pageant, set to take place at Yende Street, Thokoza, also known as Kathorus Welfare, at 11:00 on Tuesday, (13 May 2025).
Sukuma Mbokodo Support Group founder Mama Dizzy Mbuli, an activist for the welfare of senior citizens, said 120 elderly citizens and donors were invited to the fundraiser.
Mbuli said the beauty pageant encourages elderly women to remain positive about themselves.
“The elderly must remain hopeful; a number of them, when going to sleep, worry and question themselves whether they will wake up,” said Mbuli.
“I want them to know that God loves them; the elderly play an important role in communities.”
She said these grandmothers help to care for children, be it their grandchildren or those from the neighbourhood, and deserve to be celebrated.
Mbuli said she is looking forward to the event planned to celebrate the elderly citizens, she expressed that they deserve to be showered with love all the time.
“The event seeks to encourage gogo’s to be clean, resilient, confident, and walk tall,” she said.
“I don’t want to see them always collecting recyclable goods, as this exposes them to risks that may affect their health.
“I want them to be loved and nurtured for the roles they play in communities.”
Regarding the pageant, Mbuli said the top three of the 16 contestants will be awarded prizes.
She says they will also reward about four individuals who do the best when it comes to sewing projects from four regions of Ekurhuleni.
“I am looking forward to hosting a successful event as proceeds will go into the fund,” said Mbuli.
“We are accountable and care about the wellbeing of elderly people.
“We look forward to hosting you, come and spend time with us and show love to the elders.”
Mbuli urged the elderly to exercise and eat healthily to avoid stress. .
“In our organisation we encourage the elderly to socialise with their age mates, every week we host them to offer a safe space,” said Mbuli.
“We have managed to uplift and help a number of them who experience challenges in their homes, including abuse.”
Sukuma Mbokodo Support Group, which also runs a soup kitchen for the elderly, was established in 2018.
Sukuma Mbokodo Support Group provides holistic care for women, children, and the elderly from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The organisation provides spiritual, emotional, physical, and educational aid and support, while creating a friendly and loving environment for its community.
It also links the elderly and their families to churches to ensure ongoing support and nurture.
Other programs run by the organisation include a community soup kitchen, after-school care and homework assistance, basic home-based care, a chronic medication dispensary, sports for the young and old, Gender-Based Violence awareness, and family planning.
Mbuli said these services were executed most of the time in partnership with other community-based organisations that are involved in community social work.
“I wish to see the organisation grow and reach more people who are in need,” she said.
