We Care founder Palesa Letsoalo has grown her organisation to become a much-needed beacon of love and care, especially in a time when the elderly often feel neglected and overlooked.

For the past 12 years, the non-government organisation has been dedicated to supporting the elderly. Recently, Letsoalo hosted an event that brought together Alexandra’s senior residents for a fun run, aerobics, food parcels, and a shared moment of joy. “It was all about giving back to the grannies, showing them love, and reminding them that we still remember them.”

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She acknowledged that many elderly people live with chronic illnesses and do not always get sufficient exercise. “The event was all about the elderly exercising so that they can keep active. It was also about them feeling loved and appreciated.”

The fun run not only encouraged the elderly to exercise; it offered a reprieve from the daily struggles often associated with loneliness, bringing together over 90 residents in a single space for shared joy and activity.Participants also received food parcels. Letsoalo explained that this was to nurture their love for cooking and to feed the children they care for.

Recognising that some grannies’ grants serve as a lifeline for young girls under their care, and often fall short of covering toiletries, We Care also provided sanitary products for the children.

Although the organisation primarily caters to the elderly, it has also stepped up as a vital lifeline for children raised by these grandmothers.

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Letsoalo’s mission comes from her upbringing. She said her grandparents did everything for her during her school days, teaching her almost everything she knows about life. As a result, she feels it is only right to give back to them. “When I host these events, they serve as a reminder that we have people who took care of us. There is no family that rises without a background of elderly people.”

Now, more than a decade after founding the organisation, she says the work has been deeply fulfilling. “There is nothing as nice and fulfilling as pursuing what we are passionate about. Every time I successfully host an event, I am fulfilled knowing that I have done this.”

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