Organisation provides skills development for elderly

Upholding the legacy of his late father, Mokete Lepele, Pastor Moses Lepele relaunched Phakamani Africa, an NPO, which takes care of the needs of elderly people in Ramaphosa.

The organisation, which empowers and equips the elderly with skills and physical well-being, was established by Mokete Lepele eight years ago. Its relaunch, held on September 18 at the Agape Grace Ministries, was attended by local elderly people.

“My father’s passion for community development drove him to gather elderly people in Ramaphosa and helped them to start a community vegetable garden to feed themselves and their families. The community initiative expanded when the management at Ramaphosa Clinic allowed the gogos to use the vacant piece of land in the facility to run their vegetable garden. To keep fit and healthy, the elderly people also participate in fitness sessions held from Tuesday to Thursday weekly at the Agape Grace Ministries between 09:00 and 13:00.”

The pastor said the initiative became inactive and this year, he decided to revive it, adding that he recently registered it formally.

“Elderly people are emotionally abused in their own homes from morning until night, so this programme will help keep them busy during the day so that their minds can be at ease and not stress about the situations that they live under. We thought of this skills project so that it can assist people during this pandemic and thereafter,” said Lepele.

For Women’s Month, the organisation offered the elderly training on how to decorate glass bottles, and next month they’ll be making carpets.

Lepele pointed out that by equipping the old people with these skills, they are also creating opportunities for the elderly to make money through the sale of their handmade items.

He said they are aiming to expand this project to young people in the area who also will be equipped with skills.
One of the elderly people, Nombuyiselo Ndleleli (63), said she has learnt a lot since she started attending the skills development classes.

“I’m glad that we managed to use useless things like empty cold drink glasses to make useful beautiful artworks that we can sell and get money,” she said.

Another elderly, Sarah Lepele (70), said for her, the programme has turned into a hobby.
The organisation is appealing for donations like wool, crochet needles, glue and carpet-making material.
To donate, you can contact the organisation on 061 608 0588 or email phakamaniafrica900@gmail.com.

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