Lucinda Evans makes dreams come true for over 60 pensioners on a life-changing luxury cruise

In a heartwarming display of determination and community spirit, Lucinda Evans, community activist and founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu, made the impossible possible for 64 pensioners from across Cape Town and beyond. 

What began as a dream sparked by a casual conversation in 2024 became an incredible reality when these pensioners embarked on their first-ever cruise aboard the MSC ship from Durban to Cape Town, a journey they had only ever imagined.

Evans, who has worked tirelessly across the whole of the Western Cape and even the country, began fundraising for this life-changing trip. 

The seniors, from communities in Lavender Hill, Steenberg, Retreat, Grassy Park, Plumstead, and even as far as Milnerton, were at the heart of the effort.

"I think my disclaimer is that one cannot make up  this kind of happiness. One cannot make up what the community, grandmas and grandpas from these areas, experience," said Evans, reflecting on the journey as the ship docked at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.

Evans said the idea was sparked in November 2024, during a community gathering at the Women’s Centre, a group of seniors watched a ship sail by during load shedding. 

"One of the seniors said, ‘If one day.’ Those were the precise words. I looked at the ship and thought to myself, this could be us one day," Evans recalled

Little did they know, those exact words would set the ship in motion and 14 months later, they would be setting sail on that very ship, the MSC, making it a reality none of them could have predicted.

For many of the seniors, this was their first time ever flying, and their first time aboard such a luxurious cruise ship. 

The excitement of embarking on the journey was a testament to Evans and her team’s hard work. "It was extremely hard to fundraise for this trip, but the joy and happiness it brought to these 75 pensioners were beyond words," said Evans.

The journey was not only about experiencing new horizons but also ensuring the safety and well-being of each senior. 

With constant health check-ups, the trip was described as “smooth sailing.” 

However, the return to their communities, many of which are plagued by violence, brought mixed emotions for the seniors. 

The joy of the trip contrasted with the harsh realities they returned to.

Martha Fortune, one of the seniors, could not contain her excitement. 

"I could not believe where I found myself. I never in my wildest imagination pictured this," she said.

Her gratitude was palpable, as she thanked Evans and everyone who had worked tirelessly to make the trip possible.

Miranda Africa, another traveller, shared a moment of reflection as she boarded the plane home. "I can’t explain it. It was like a heartsore-happy moment. Heartsore because I’m only experiencing this at such a late stage in my life, but happy because I got to experience it."

Mandy Absolum, who found joy in every aspect of the journey, said, "The best part of the trip was everything—the service, the beauty of the ship. I felt like I was on the Titanic. The plane ride was wonderful too. I want to do it again and again. I felt like I was on top of the world."

For Evans, the success of this trip is more than just a personal victory; it’s a triumph for the community she has always championed. 

Evans also thanked EMS personnel Jogra Solomons and Selwin Hendricks for being on standby to receive one of the travellers who suffers from chronic lung obstructive disease with oxygen (his machine cannot be unplugged).

"This trip was never just about getting people on a cruise; it was about giving them the opportunity to experience something they never thought possible. It’s about showing them that despite the hardships of life, they deserve to have these moments of happiness."

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus