Etwatwa organisation shows appreciation to the elderly
The grannies were taken out for lunch at the Seed Cafè at Northfield Methodist Church.
In a heartfelt celebration of Women’s Day, Boitumelo Home-based Day Care went above and beyond to honour the wisdom and strength of grannies from Etwatwa.
Recognising the invaluable role these senior citizens play as pillars of families and keepers of tradition, the organisation treated them to a day of appreciation at the Seed Café, located at Northfield Methodist Church, on August 8.
Boitumelo’s founder and chairperson, Phindile Mtshali, said the event was to remind the grannies that their contributions to society deserve to be celebrated and cherished.
“The purpose was to take them out to eat at a restaurant, to be served and enjoy a nice meal, as most of them are still in charge of their homes even in their old age. They are often stuck at home and no one takes care of them,” she said.
Mtshali’s eyes welled up as she watched the grannies’ faces light up with smiles, joyfully chatting over the menu before their meal.
“Look at their smiles. They are so excited. For some of them, it was the first time they dined at a restaurant. Most of the time when we are back home in Etwatwa, we give manicures, pedicures and massages. I’m so overwhelmed with emotion.”
The organisation also donated a hamper of rice, samp and canned food to the senior citizens.
Mtshali started the organisation in 2018 to care for the elderly and young boys in her community.
“I started this organisation to honour my late grandmother who cared for me from the age of seven when I lost my mother. Losing her made me want to honour, love and care for the elderly, and do for them what I could not do for her when she was still alive. Elders living alone or with their grandchildren have a special place in my heart,” Mtshali said.
Besides looking after the elderly, the organisation also donates toiletries and food to young boys in Etwatwa West.
Mtshali appealed for assistance from the community with items such as food hampers, blankets and cleaning materials to help the organisation continue its work.
Anyone willing to help can contact Mtshali on 064 025 4454 for more information.
Also Read: #WOMENSMONTH: Sports mom Sandor drives her children to success
Also Read: #WOMENSMONTH: Local vet says kindness should be celebrated
