Community event in Reiger Park spotlights services, financial literacy and family protection
Reiger Park, Boksburg — A morning of celebration, information and practical advice for older residents and their families drew community organisations, financial partners and social workers to Reiger Park on Women’s Day.
The Dress Elegant with the Grannies gathering was organised by the Masibambaneni Organisation Elderly Care Centre and Reiger Park Elderly Centre in collaboration with NICRO, Old Mutual, the Ray of Hope Foundation and the Department of Social Development. The event brought stakeholders and elders together under the theme Building Resilient Economies for All, organisers said.
Speakers emphasised the central role older women play in households and communities, and urged local residents to back women facing poverty, unemployment and abuse. The programme combined celebration with awareness-raising and signposting to local support services.
- Counselling and victim support — NICRO highlighted counselling services for victims of crime and gender-based violence.
- Family mediation and perpetrator programmes — Court-referred family mediation and perpetrator intervention programmes were presented as options for families in crisis.
- Financial literacy and access — Representatives from Old Mutual and the Ray of Hope Foundation spoke about financial literacy and community assistance.
According to NICRO representative Nelisiwe Khanyi, the event’s theme was a reminder of the importance of strong families and the resilience of women. She said:
“Building Resilient Economies for All is a reminder that strong economies begin with strong families built on women’s resilience and wisdom.”
Local elder-care groups also had a visible presence. Members of Masibambaneni and Reiger Park Elderly Centre attended alongside NICRO staff. Social Development social worker Christina Mokoena encouraged elders to assert their rights within families and to visit the Department of Social Development offices if they experience problems at home.
Event photographs and the programme listed several community names who attended. From NICRO, representatives included Busisiwe Khoza, Stanley Noungana, Landela Somzana and Vicleria Motsoane. Masibambaneni participants named in the programme were Nelly Williams, Eunice Vuma, Nomasoni Tshobeni, Julia Dineka, Veronica Moleleki and Egness Motloi. Reiger Park Elderly Centre attendees included Yvonne Lance, Antoinette Tekana, Beatrice Finger, Lucelle Wangra, Marganet van Bresis, Bronwyn Lyon, Mercia Fortuin, Julia Mosaie and Erna Botha.
| Organisation | Role at event |
|---|---|
| NICRO | Counselling, family mediation, perpetrator intervention, youth programmes |
| Masibambaneni Organisation Elderly Care Centre | Co-host; elder participation |
| Reiger Park Elderly Centre | Co-host; elder participation |
| Old Mutual | Financial literacy and assistance information |
| Ray of Hope Foundation | Community programme support |
| Department of Social Development | Social work support and referrals |
Speakers used the platform to push for concrete community action: better support networks for women and older persons, opportunities to address unemployment and poverty, and a focus on protecting vulnerable family members from abuse. They also flagged youth diversion and life-skills programmes as critical to long-term resilience.
For residents of Boksburg looking for assistance, the event signalled where to begin: local elder-care centres, social development offices and NGOs such as NICRO can provide counselling, mediation and referrals. Representatives from Old Mutual and other partners were available at the event to explain how to access financial-literacy resources and community programmes.
The gathering in Reiger Park underlined a practical city truth — celebration and service can go hand in hand. As organisers put it, recognising the contribution of older women must be matched by offering them and their families tangible support and pathways out of poverty and violence.
If you need help: elders and family members concerned about abuse or home conflicts were urged to contact the Department of Social Development or local NGOs for counselling and mediation services.
