Tsakani – Old Mutual, in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni, dedicated 67 minutes of Mandela Day, making a difference with elders of the Tsakane Day Care Centre on July 18.

Elders received blankets and homely meals. The day featured special performances, aerobics, health checks, singing and praising.

National sales leader at Old Mutual, Samukelo Mdlalose, said as a financial institution, they saw it fit to do their part in commemorating Mandela Day by spending the day supporting the elderly.

“They form part of the vulnerable members of our society who have contributed immensely to the lives of many people. We have also seen how they can sometimes be neglected.

“We therefore made a conscious decision to specifically focus on the elderly and people living with disabilities as the groups we want to give back to on this special day,” he explained.

He added that their teams have been running initiatives across the province over the years, saying this time around, Ekurhuleni was identified as the area where they wanted to spend the day.

“Over everything, we are here to connect with and support the elderly, both financially and through donations in kind.

“The team has arranged gifts, more than just donations; we have also brought health screening services,” he said.

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“We always focus on building long-lasting relationships. Even before today, our teams had interactions with the centre and the home, which ultimately led to today’s event.”

Mdlalose stated that their idea is not to visit the centre once and never return, but to build a relationship and continue supporting the centre and the home in other meaningful ways.

He added that giving back is really at the heart of what they do as a responsible business.

“Old Mutual prides itself on ensuring that the people we employ come from the communities we serve.

“Building relationships like this and taking part in initiatives such as this is central to who we are.

“We support and connect with the communities we serve. We do not simply view them as customers; they are much more than that.

“They represent the very essence of our business. Whenever we have an opportunity to give back, especially on a day like Mandela Day, we do so wholeheartedly,” Mdlalose added.

Centre manager, Refiloe Mathumetsa, expressed gratitude towards the initiative. Mathumetsa cited that no company or stakeholders have ever commemorated Mandela Day at the centre.

“We are beyond happy; they could not wait for this day to come.

“We operate from Monday to Friday, but I asked them to come to the centre on a Saturday, and I am beyond pleased with the turnout,” she expressed.

“There are beneficiaries who live on their own, others with abusive family members. Such initiatives bring warmth and comfort to those individuals, making them feel at home.

She expressed her thanks to Old Mutual, hoping that the institution will continue to assist them where it can.