By Palesa Ndinisa
Lakeside Mall proudly gives back to South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries on Pensioners Day by offering tea and biscuits while they wait for their payout. This comforting initiative aims to create a friendly shopping environment where senior citizens can enjoy their meals as they sit on chairs and enjoy their treat. The stores in partnership with this initiative include Pick ‘n Pay, which is located on the upper level of entrance 5 and Shoprite, stationed at the lower level, entrance 2.
Speaking to Prudence Thanjekwayo, who is the Marketing Manager at the mall, she shared that the campaign’s goal is to pleasantly gather stores, staff members, and broader community members to create a meaningful impact. “The inspiration for our Heart of Gold campaign came from witnessing the heartfelt efforts by Pick n’ Pay, who regularly offer tea and coffee to pensioners. We recognised a similar need on the Shoprite side of the mall and decided to expand the initiative. Our elderly patrons often endure long waits during payout days, and we wanted to turn those moments into something more compassionate and uplifting,” affirmed Thanjekwayo. The passionate worker also stated that retailers take part of this effort by offering exclusive specials and promotions on those days.
This a newly launched project that began in early 2025 and will be ongoing as an appreciation for loyal elderly shoppers who choose Lakeside Mall as their destination.
Interested businesses or organisations that are willing to partner in this community driven initiative are more than welcomed to reach out to the Lakeside Centre Management Marketing Team. “We’re proud to call Benoni our home, and through initiatives like this, we hope to keep building meaningful, lasting relationships with those who walk through our doors everyday,” cheerfully added Ms Thanjekwayo.
