Senior citizens from around the city were taken for a treat at the Cape Town International Convention Centre as part of celebrating International Mandela Day.
The event, organised by Cosatu, was attended by nearly 1 000 senior citizens.
Their day kicked off with entertainment by entertainer Ashley Pienaar and music by young AJ, 3, Vicky Sampson and Camillo Lombard.
Gugulethu pensioner Kholeka Kombela said: “South Africa is dealing with many ups and downs. We fought for this victory for our communities and we can do it again. We need to have a spirit of unity.
“People should stand together in tough times, just as they do in good times. We are inviting churches, schools, businesses, the media and political parties to lead us in uniting South Africa.”
Organisers said the event was to honour senior citizen for their contribution in building the city.
Cosatu general secretary Tony Ehrenreich said their events for senior citizens had been taking place for 14 years.
He said the events were aimed at bringing people from disadvantaged communities to places like Kirstenbosch, Simon’s Town, Grand West and the CTICC.
“In all our townships, our kids are doomed by drugs, gangsters are running around and our children have lost hope. On Mandela Day, the people who caused the harm put a plaster on the cut. Do not come once a year and put a plaster on it, because it should be Mandela Day every day,” he said.
Ehrenreich added: “In the dark days of apartheid, you would remember, you were not allowed to be at these places.
‘‘The convention centre did not want poor people to be here. We had to fight to be here. Now, that is unfair, because you built this city. The city would not be here without you.
"We must create an opportunity where our people can enjoy these things, but we must never forget where we come from."
Lombard said: “We have to educate our public. We have a place in the world for sport, academics, music, and the capability and ability.
"Today we have some of the greatest artists in the world, and it is important to forge a way for them to be recognised globally, just as our seniors have done for us in the past.”