Day care centre offers gogos support
Tsugang Day Care and Old Age Home was launched in February with the aim of raising awareness in communities about the social ills facing the elderly.
After noting the devastating quality of life among the elderly of Etwatwa, Joyce Ramasehla established an NPO to provide comprehensive care to these vulnerable members of society.
Tsugang Day Care and Old Age Home was launched in February to raise awareness in communities about the social ills facing the elderly and to restore joy, dignity and fulfilment in their lives.
Ramasehla said her nurturing spirit stems from her belief that older people are pillars of our communities and they should be looked after.
“I believe communities need to ensure their senior citizens remain safe and well looked after during their twilight years.”
The NPO has already been confronted with cases of neglect, unfair treatment and emotional, physical and financial abuse of the elderly.
“In most of these cases, we have found that it’s not strangers who commit these crimes but family members – the victim’s children and grandchildren,” Ramasehla said.
Through a daycare centre, which accommodates about 120 grannies from Etwatwa and surrounding areas, Tsugang provides older people with an opportunity to get out of the house and de-stress.
“This group setting enables them to socialise and enjoy planned activities. They meet every Monday and Thursday to exercise, knit, sing and discuss issues affecting them. We also provide them with breakfast and lunch.”
Their oldest member at the daycare is 88.
Ramasehla’s plans for next year include introducing the Umzukhulu programme, an initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between the elderly and youth.
Funding
Tsugang is currently operating from a garage on 21st Street, Etwatwa East because they don’t have their own premises.
“We have applied for a site from the council but we are still waiting for a response.
“Things are not easy at the moment because we don’t have funding, though we sometimes get donations from Good Samarians.
“We are having to dig deep into our own pockets to keep things afloat,” Ramasehla explained.
She said their ultimate goal is to have a disability and old age home where frail elderly people could be looked after.
At the moment, the NPO has 14 beneficiaries of a home-based care programme and 35 volunteers, consisting of young people and adults.
How you can help
“We need funding to cover our day-to-day expenses, such as food and travel costs for the elderly and volunteers.
“We also need computers, stationery, clothing, office equipment, telephones, a second-hand vehicle, stove, pots and a fridge,” said Ramasehla.
The NPO is also in need of wool, beads and other items for crocheting and knitting activities.
To donate for more information, contact Joyce on 084 875 4763 and Patrick (marketing director) on 063 855 1050.
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