Left to Right: MF representative; Mr Viresh Bhana,Mrs Shanitha Bhana, Mrs Sindah Muthan, OSSW Chair Margaret Govender& Deloshni Govender
The Our Senior Social Welfare Group (OSSW) from Avoca recently had a quintuple celebration at the Avoca Primary school. Amongst the celebrations held, OSSW 5-year anniversary, 90th birthday, Diwali, Christmas and 1860 arrival of the indentured labourers to South Africa. The Minority Front is proud to be associated with OSSW.MF national executive member gave the key note address on the arrival of the indentured labourers to South Africa. Mr Viresh Bhana stated that our forefathers were brought to SA under false promises. They had to work long hours on the sugar cane fields. “Indentured” was a fancy term for slavery, Mr Bhana added. However, our forefathers had made significant progress in a short space of time, building religious, educational facilities and businesses. Today, we play a significant role in the South African economy. Mr V Bhana added that the Minority Front will continue to fight for the installation of a monument to honour our forefathers. Mr Bhana ended his address by wishing all the members well for the festive season. The glamorous high energy 5 in 1 event was carefully planned and executed by its founders Mrs Margaret Govender and Miss Deloshni Govender. The senior citizens were in store for huge treats as the day unfolded beginning with the 90th birthday of its oldest member Mrs Sindah Muthan. Thereafter a post Heritage Day and Deepavali breakfast was shared at the beautifully decorated Avoca Primary School Hall, where all members strictly followed Covid-19 level 1 lockdown protocols, with many helping hands that made the day rememberable and unforgettable.
Miss Deloshni Govender was overwhelmed with emotion as she personally handed out the well packed goodie bags, Christmas gifts and special souvenirs to each member. She stated that, “We are so fortunate to have this chance of serving the senior citizens in our local community. Their blessings are our priceless reward, after all the OSSWG motto is SHARING IS CARING.” An amazing pre-Christmas lunch was held at the spectacular Bombay Blu plus restaurant in Sunningdale where the senior citizens were spoilt for choice with mouth-watering menu of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, freshly prepared meals.