San Michele Home opened its doors in 1945, and now, on its 80th birthday, it continues to serve the entire community by providing an essential, non-denominational home for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. The home, which cares for 258 permanent residents, provides professional care and a family environment.

“A staff complement of 118 renders a caring and dedicated service to the residents,” said marketing consultant Jenny van Graan.

The home is licensed to house 271 residents, and the Department of Health constantly monitors it with monthly reports and quarterly inspections.

Most of the patients in the home’s care are lifelong residents. More than 60% have been abandoned by their families, require assistance, or have no family.

“If people could see what we do here, they would understand the need we have. We don’t expect big donations from a single business. We know this economy is tough, but I think once you see it, you cannot un-see it. It pulls on your heartstrings,” said Van Graan.

The home has semi-independent residential cottages, mostly individual rooms. There are eight wards for people with disabilities and a further eight wards in the medium care facility.

The home has 24-hour nursing and a 24-hour clinic, therapy workshops for both men and women, a variety of sports activities on at Special Olympics level, an entertainment centre, a chapel, a kitchen, a dining room, occupational therapy, and music therapy.

“This year, to celebrate the home‘s 80th birthday, we are holding a gala evening to raise funds and attract donors for the home’s various needs,” said Marius Bosman, centre manager.

The home needs funds for a water purification system for its borehole to ensure constant access to water. They also desperately need an industrial pressure pot, an industrial washing machine, and new equipment for the occupational therapy room.

“We need paint, and we need to revamp the 28 bathrooms on the premises, each at roughly R30 000. The swimming pool also needs attention,” said Bosman.

Van Graan notes that Bosman wears many hats.

“He loves the people here. The patients know and love him. He has a lot of empathy and compassion. To sit with him, you immediately have immense respect,” she said.

San Michele is a registered NPO approved as a PBO in terms of Section 30 of the Income Tax Act, and all donations it receives fall under Section 18A of the act.

An executive committee of seven volunteers is monitors management. The annual running cost of the home amounts to R24.6m as per the 2025 financial year budget.

The home receives government grants, but these only cover 90% of the running costs, while the balance is generated through donations.

The annual open day for families, members of the public, and prospective donors will be on November 1. A one-hour tour of the facility can be arranged on any Wednesday.

The home moved to the current premises in Withok Estates in 1995, which had previously been an old school building.

It has been in the care and management of Bosman for nine years, during which the number of patients in residence has increased.

Each celebration and event this year is in honour of the 80th birthday. San Michele recently celebrated Spring Day by planting 10 fruit trees on the property, donated by Hardy Plants.

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In addition, they jointly celebrate residents’ birthdays each month. At the August birthday party, the home’s oldest resident, André Cilliers (73), celebrated his birthday.

There was a high tea earlier in the year. The Mr and Miss Mental Wellness pageant and the gala evening, with a set menu, are on November 15.

Members of the public can buy a table or individual tickets. Those who wish to help in smaller ways can donate sweets for the monthly birthday parties and other events.

“Thank you to JCJ Sweets for donating sweets for the parties, and Iris Wrighton, Norah Dube, and Shadrack Mallane for setting up the birthday party. All our guests of honour had a great time,” said Van Graan.

To arrange a tour, contact Van Graan on 082 399 6893. The home is at 266 Hannes Visagie Street.