17 October, 2012

Soshanguve gogo’s making a difference


Travelling is often regarded in Soshanguve as something that is done by young people but that will soon change.
Grannies from Soshanguve Block G have started a non-profit organisation called Gogo on Tour, established in May.
 Gogo on Tour chairperson, Thoko Matjokane says she told her two daughters   about her dream to start the organisation.
Gogo on Tour, grannies ready to travel the world.
According to Matjokane, many grannies spend most of their time doing nothing and she wanted to change that by introducing a new idea that will help them to be active.
“After observing how our senior citizens are discarded once they reach the age of retirement, I wanted to do away with one foot in the grave mentality,” Matjokane said.
She added that the grannies would be able to meet peers from other walks of life.
The project targets grannies from Soshanguve, Mamelodi, Atteridgeville and Hammanskraal.
Grannies are divided in three categories according to age.  The Silver Group are grannies that are between 60-70 year-old will be given an opportunity to travel long distances as to Robben Island and other neighbouring countries. The Golden Group are grannies from 70-80 years.  They are set to travel locally to museums and the zoological gardens.  The Platinum Group are 90-100 years get a chance to attend big functions such as Mandela’s birthday party.
One of the grannies involved in the organisation, Monica Nkosi said she was in high spirits as she believed that Gogo on Tour would help her to stop worrying about death.
“I think this is a great idea. We will be able to relax and have fun,” Nkosi said.
 Gogo on Tour still needs financial assistance, office equipment, and support with logistics.

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