Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre has a fun family day

Duduza – The Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre hosted the second of their family preservation events, which is held four times a year, on May 31.

The event, which is normally the residents having lunch with their families, was a 3km fun walk.

“We normally have lunch with the residents and their families, but this time our social workers wanted to do something different,” says head of the institution Molefi Makhele.

“This was also great because our residents spend most of their time indoors, so the walk was a chance for them to get some fresh air while spending time with their loved ones,” he continues.

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According to Joey Nontlahla, deputy director at the Department of Social Development, the family preservation campaigns are to help keep the family unit together.

“As the department, it is not enough for us to just provide food and a bed for our residents, but to also ensure we try our best to work with their families and keep them together,” she says.

The event, according to Makhele, is an emotionally charged one, and they always have their social workers on standby should any of the residents need help with their emotions after seeing their families.

One resident, Jabulani Cindi, danced in his wheelchair while spending time with his family.

His daughter in-law, Ouma Cindi, says it is very important to come and visit the residents.

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“I always come and visit mkhulu because I love him.

“It is because of him that I have my husband,” she says.

Another relative, Thoko Mahlangu, adds: “It also makes them happy when we come to see them.

“I mean, look at how happy mkhulu is.”