Mental health team raises dementia awareness
Following the death of a woman with dementia, a mental health group led an outreach in Etwatwa East to raise awareness and stop stigma-fuelled violence.
The Central Gauteng Mental Health Society (Daveyton Thusanang Protective Workshop) hosted an educational outreach in Etwatwa East on July 11.
The event came in the wake of the death of Busi Maseko (76), who had dementia. She was reportedly accused of witchcraft and assaulted, then found wandering the streets of Emabeleni in the early hours of June 10, just a few kilometres from her home.
A video circulating on a local Facebook community group showed her lying on the ground, shielding her face, with several people standing nearby and a fire burning beside her.
It is suspected she suffered an assault before being transported to the hospital. She was declared dead at Phillip Moyo Clinic while awaiting transfer to the Far East Hospital.
Also Read: Etwatwa SAPS probe elderly woman’s death following witchcraft accusation
Etwatwa SAPS station commander Colonel Patrick Qangase confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding Maseko’s death.
Determined to prevent future tragedies, the society and its partners, including the Etwatwa CPF, Department of Social Development (DSD) social workers from Benoni and Kempton Park, Reashuma, the John Wesley Community Centre, the Tsugang and Ichudu organisations, held a door-to-door awareness campaign to teach residents about dementia and mental health.
Lindi Sidu, a social auxiliary worker from the society, said they began their campaign in the area where the incident occurred.
“We saw a need for improved understanding of dementia after the attack on Maseko. It has become clear that misinformation and stigma around mental health, particularly cognitive disorders like dementia, remain deeply rooted,” said Sidu.
The campaign focused on recognising dementia symptoms and how to support those living with the illness.
“People with dementia often forget who they are and might not recognise their families. They can become confused, struggle with language and communication and behave aggressively or remain calm. These behaviours are symptoms, not signs of witchcraft or wrongdoing,” she explained.
Sidu urged community members to seek medical help at local clinics if they suspect someone is showing signs of dementia.
“If they are not assisted, they can come to our offices on 15308 Sydney Mkhwalo Street, Swazi Section, and we can write referrals for them to go to the hospital,” she said.
She added that the society also supports families who cannot care for elderly relatives with dementia by arranging placements or doing regular home visits for those staying with loved ones.
To learn more about dementia or the services offered, call the Central Gauteng Mental Health Society on 010 140 5916.
Also Read: Treat dementia patients with dignity
