BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – The Public Service Pensioners Association (PSPA) is expecting a grand reception tomorrow during the National Pensioners’ Day celebrations.
PSPA confirmed through its Secretary General (SG) Dominic Nxumalo that they would be hosting pensioners’ tomorrow morning at the Manzini Club during their inaugural National Pensioners’ Day celebrations.
Nxumalo shared that the celebrations would start with a march from Somhlolo Park to Manzini Club where a number of activities are lined up for the senior citizens. The activities are set to start at 10am till 3pm. Nxumalo noted that the National Pensioners Day was scheduled to be celebrated on September 25 but was postponed due to a number of challenges they encountered.
Nxumalo described the retirees as one of the most important groups of people, whose contributions to national development should always be celebrated. He added that the purpose of the gathering was to recognise the invaluable contribution of the pensioners to the development of the country. He said they would also share key insights and tips about retirement life as he said they was more they would do.
“We will have a moment to reflect about the year and also discuss about our future goals as pensioners. These gatherings are important for us,” Nxumalo said.
Meanwhile, Nxumalo said they had invited Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko to be part of the celebrations as he said there was no bad blood between the association and the minister. Nxumalo said the minister had apologized to them for the statement he made about the retirees.
“We hope the Minister will grace the event as this falls under his ministry. We have also invited the Deputy Prime Minister as her office is responsible for taking care of the elderly people. We have also invited the Municipal Council of Manzini, RA, PSPF and other institutions to be part of this event,” Nxumalo revealed.
Moreover, Nxumalo added that the issue of the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) being categorized as a Category A enterprise would be amongst the topics set to be discussed during the event.
Nxumalo noted that the life experiences accumulated by the retirees over the course of their long sojourn on earth needed to be cherished and appreciated by the government and the public at large.
He urged the government to be committed to making life meaningful for pensioners and ensuring that life is worth living socially and economically for everyone.
