It was a sunny winter morning in Sasolburg, and something lovely happened. It wasn’t sports day just about any day, it was a movement. A celebration. A warm reminder that with age comes nothing but slowing down, it comes with showing up.
FOMO was part of the throng, soaking up the music, laughter, knowledge and ferocity spirit of the seniors who turned out in their numbers to the DP de Villiers Stadium on July 29, 2025, for the Metsimaholo Local Municipality Senior Games. And for sure? It was electrified.
Elderly people from throughout the Fezile Dabi District arrived in numbers, some in synchronised tracksuits, others wrapped in blankets and smiles, but all brimming with vitality. There were taxis that arrived from Zamdela, Deneysville, Oranjeville and surrounding townships. You could feel the love even before the commencement of the games.
“I’m here to laugh, stretch these legs, and show the young ones I’ve still got moves,” said Gogo Thandi from Oranjeville with a wink, as she warmed up near the field.
The day, that was spearheaded by Council Whip Cllr Fikile Mosokweni along with departments of Health, Sport, Arts & Culture and Social Development, was a resounding success. Not about medals or winners (though there were certainly plenty). It was about something more: reminding elders that they count. That they’re noticed. That life is still worth living, celebrating and sharing, out loud.
The stadium echoed with music and cheers. Soccer matches saw walking sticks briefly left behind. Walking races turned into merry processions. Ancient games ignited stories of yesteryear and aerobics classes turned into impromptu dance-offs.
Wherever FOMO looked, there were vignettes to include in a documentary: a sobbing granddaughter seeing her grandmother punt a soccer ball; old friends reunited after years; a group of older men chanting triumphantly their township name when they completed a relay. It was not exercise, it was healing.
Executive Mayor Cllr Jack Malindi made a guest appearance, lending his voice to the sea of thanks being voiced throughout the event. He didn’t come to smile and wave and be spotted,he was there, listening, applauding and taking it in with genuine reverence.
One of the most poignant moments of the day was the recognition of Senior Citizen Centres that go on to look after and support the elderly with scanty means but with an enormous heart. Certificates were presented by Cllr Mosokweni herself, who gave warm hugs and even warmer words.
“We are not only paying tribute to seniors today, we are reaffirming their worth,” she said to FOMO. “This is about memory. About legacy. About creating a culture that refuses to throw away those who’ve come before us.”
It’s easy enough to employ terms such as “active aging” and “community involvement” in policy briefs. But to witness it firsthand, witnessing 70- and 80-year-olds play, laugh, run and reminisce, is a whole other matter. It rearranges your understanding of age and reminds you that happiness is not timely.
By nightfall, medals were given, shoulders were rubbed and cheeks were kissed. But the biggest prize was the spirit of oneness that lingered in the air even beyond the last race was over.
As sunset fell behind the grandstand, FOMO left with a camera full of joy and an inspirational notebook full of ideas. Because this was not just a community event, it was a masterclass in resilience, in humanity, and the power of coming together.
One thing is certain: in Metsimaholo, the golden years are shining brighter than ever.
