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Ashley Phiri, [email protected]

AMERICAN writer and humourist Mike Twain rightly said, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

A group of eight elderly persons from the St Peters peri-urban area, Vukuzenzele Older Persons Group, has proven that indeed age is nothing but a number through a self-driven savings and income generation project.

With determination etched on their faces and a spirit that refuses to fade, they have embarked on a self-driven savings and income generation project, becoming an inspiration to all who know their story.

The project has helped them overcome financial struggles and dependency in terms of basic needs and medication, even growing beyond the expectations of its members.

Established in April 2023, Vukuzenzele Older Persons Group emerged from a shared desire to address members’ financial challenges. Previously reliant on the support of well-wishers, children and relatives, the group sought a path towards financial independence.

Vukuzenzele group member Ms Loveness Moyo said through the income generation projects, members can now buy themselves medication and other basic necessities.

They can also access profits generated by the group to re-invest into individual income generation projects.
“As you know, older people suffer from a lot of ailments like diabetes and most of us in the group don’t have a pension. We had to rely on the support of our children and try to generate income using the little resources we have like selling vegetables from our gardens,” she said.

“Since starting this project, we have been able to borrow from the group to boost our personal income generation activities.”

Island Hospice played a pivotal role in their journey, providing important internal savings and lending training. Equipped with this knowledge, the group established a set of rules, including starting a monthly subscription of US$2.

These contributions fuelled the group’s first income-generation activity, a grocery tuck shop. Island Hospice social worker, Mr Nkosiphile Moyo said the organisation has trained various other older persons’ groups in peri-urban areas such as Robert Sinyoka as part of efforts to empower them and improve their livelihoods.

“We have about 11 other groups of older persons that we are working with on these internal savings and lending trainings. All the groups have their own unique projects and when we assess the Vukuzenzele group using the group maturity index, we are satisfied with the way the group is progressing,” he said.

The group’s initial stock consisted of basic commodities such as sugar, rice, cooking oil and biscuits. Initially operating from a make-shift plastic structure, the small business soon took shape.

A group member, impressed by their commitment, offered a building to house the tuck shop, leading to an increase in customers.

Island Hospice supported the group with groceries worth about US$150, further bolstering their inventory. This contribution significantly boosted sales, profits and overall savings. The impact on the group members’ lives has been profound.

One member, Mr Reggie Mkhosana, said his life has changed since the inception of the group. “I no longer wait for money to meet our daily needs. I can take care of my grandchildren, and any additional money I receive goes towards my monthly subscriptions,” he said.

Mr Mkhosana said the project has offered more than financial security as it has fostered a renewed sense of purpose and self-esteem.

The group members do not have medical aid and buy their medications using cash. Looking ahead, the group is determined to grow and expand its operations. Monthly subscriptions have since been raised to US$5, while maintaining a 20 percent interest rate on lending.

Recognising a community need for clothing, the group plans to diversify its business by including bales of clothing in its inventory. The Vukuzenzele Older Persons’ Group stands as a testament to the power of self-reliance and collaboration. They are a shining example of an empowered community with a financially secure future.