NTHA COLUMN

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

Elderly folk from various locations gathered at the Meadowlands Tourism Development Centre (Chief House) in Zone 4 on July 15, 2015 to be part of the annual Christmas in July Celebration, hosted by the National Tourism and Hospitality Association (NTHA).

NTHA Christmas in July: In conjunction with 67 Minutes for Mandela (Mandela Day).

Members of the NTHA, who also call themselves Liquor Traders Against Crime – have been hosting this event since 2000, as a way of giving back to the community while educating them on several aspects of business and community safety.

Liquor Traders Against Crime invited 10 senior citizens per branch from different locations, including Naledi, Meadowlands, Jabulani, Dobsonville, Orlando, Moroka, Thulani, Lenasia, Mogale City, Mansieville, Magalies, Diepkloof, Kliptown, Freedom Park, Vlakfontein, Katlehong, Daveyton, Tshepisong, Orange Farm, Sebokeng, Vaal and Carltonville. The elderly were pampered throughout the day, educated and given tips by the Gauteng Liquor Board, Saps, Sanca, Sassa and Liquor Traders Against Crime. South African Breweries joined the festivities and had staff members serving meals, cleaning and taking care of the elderly. Sanca taught the guests how to deal with and detect early signs of drug addiction in children, while Saps gave tips on dealing with harassment and abuse of any sort. Liquor Traders Against Crime performed a play about responsible trading in the liquor business, community safety and ubuntu. The play included valuable tips such as making sure liquor traders comply with the Liquor Act, ensuring their surroundings are kept clean and trading hours are observed. Cleo BodibeLushaba, director of the Gauteng Liquor Board, was very impressed to see the liquor traders teaching on responsible liquor trading. Ma Pinky Tiro of Tiro’s Pub & Grill, programme director of the day, told jokes that had the elderly guests laughing non-stop.

The elders were thrilled when they received blankets and gifts as part of the celebration. The NTHA’s wish is to continue hosting this kind of event, as it fulfills a need to give back to the community. Events such as these also serve to remind the elderly that there are people who love and care for them. During the course of the day, SAB donated catering equipment worth R50 000 to Ndofaya Caterers, a subsidiary of the NTHA. “A big thank you to our sponsors who made the day a success, and the elders who came through in large numbers. We look forward to bigger and better events in the years to come,” said Phumzile Ratladi, General Secretary of NTHA.