Supa-Dimama looks after Ivory Park’s grannies

Supa-Dimama Seniors Citizen Centre, a local non-profit Organisation (NPO), hosted a community outreach programme at at the Eco-Village, Ivory Park Extension, on January 24.

The NPO has extended an invitation to local elderly women to become part of the organisation.

Supa-Dimama has been assisting local elderly people to keep fit and stay strong through exercises – and also hosts gardening and handcrafting projects which includes beading and sewing.

The founder, Josephine Mpofu, said the organisation established between 2008 and 2009, and moved to Eco-Village, depends mainly on the support they receive from their Nederland’s donors.

“I worked for a crèche for 10 years and gained strength to open my own to cater for those children from disadvantaged communities.

“I also wanted a platform to look after the elderly,”said Mpofu.

She added: “There has been growth for the old ladies since they joined the organisation. They have been working together in beading, sewing and have been engaging on exercises to keep fit.”

Mpofu said it has been her dream to serve the community, and to extend a hand of help to the grannies because she was raised by a granny.

“Growing was tough, and now I only wish to leave a legacy, maybe I will open an old age home for the grannies,” concluded Mpofu.

Bazial Nobewu Madiba, another member of the NPO, said he has travelled, for purposes of sports competition, to Bloemfontein and Durban, all in aid of his organisation.

“I have a suitcase full of trophies, medals and certificates obtained from playing sports be it marathon or fun walks or 500m walk. This has helped us to gain connection with other people of our age,” he said.

“I have been training the grannies for years now, and still feel good about it; it helps us to distress and keep active and lowers our blood sugar and keeps us going,” said Madiba.

Ricky Mufunwaini of Kopanong Shopping Centre, and Pick n Pay Customer Service manager, urged older people to join Supa-Dimama.

“At Pick n Pay we are assisting Supa-Dimama with toiletries and vegetables.

“Looking at the grannies, they need a lot of food parcels because most of them rely on their grants which they share with their grandchildren,” Mufunwaini said.

“On Tuesday January 28 I will be here to donate food parcels with the assistance of my church, the Christian Worship Centre,” Mufunwaini said.