The Eoan Group School of Performing Arts has revived its much-loved Morning Musical Serenades for seniors with the help of three police stations.
The Manenberg, Athlone and Philippi stations invited seniors groups from their precincts to the event, which was held on Wednesday November 16.
The variety concert was free and entertainment was provided by the Eoan Group’s dancers and Teen Idols finalists, the Western Cape Police Band, and some of the seniors themselves.
Eoan Group director Shafiek Rajap said the event had been popular before Covid-19.
“We felt this was the right time to bring back the serenades, as next year we will be celebrating our 90th anniversary. We just wanted to remind our older generation that we are still here. We have been doing this for many years, and this time around, we asked SAPS to come on board and to invite the seniors from their precincts,” Mr Rajap said.
Captain Ian Bennett, spokesperson for Manenberg SAPS, said they did not hesitate to partner with the Eoan Group for the event.
“Our communities’ foundation is built on the legacies and storytelling of our senior citizens. Our moral values lie in tatters because we have distanced ourselves from what seems to be old and frail. The safety of our seniors is a priority to us. The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign is upon us, so this year we wanted to have an approach of embracing the seniors by recommitting ourselves and ensuring that they know we are here to serve them,” Captain Bennett said.
He added: “Today was a special day as it was the first community programme done where we brought the seniors together. Our aim is to encourage the seniors to stay young at heart and never give up on themselves, as they seem to fight a battle of survival to be heard within their families and the community.”
