MAKWARELA - In an attempt to engage pensioners in a variety of projects, the Makwarela Care for the Aged Project started with a project of making polish and soap at Makwarela a fortnight ago.

Approximately 37 pensioners are making polish and soap under trees and they are still looking for a shelter where they can work and sell their products.

The pensioners have called officials from the Thulamela Municipality to assess if it is possible to be funded.

On behalf of Mayor Thivhulawi Makumbane, Cllr Simon Mpilo, who is also a member of the Local Economic Development (LED) said the Makwarela Care for the Handicapped should submit a business plan and the project's constitution to the Municipality. "A lot of people start similar projects, but fade on the way and they are making the government lose money," he said.

The Ward Councillor, Cllr Lufuno Mudzanani, donated R250 to the project and said the government is looking at all projects that can make people self-sustainable. He further said that the Thulamela Municipality needs the aged to be involved in the development of their communities.

"It is not good for the pensioners to sit down without performing any physical activity," said Cllr Mudzanani.

One of the project leaders, Mrs Martha Sikhwari, said they started their project three years ago and they need to employ more people in the Vhembe District. "Our project has started its own pocket and we will be happy if the Thulamela Municipality can fund us," she said.

Pensioners further said that they need more support from the community.