Lifeline for struggling elderly in Maphumulo

Maphumulo senior citizens facing adversity can hold on to a beacon of hope in the hills of Kwamaqumbi.

Situated 32km from the KwaDukuza central business district, the Umshukangubo Association for the Aged has been a steadfast community pillar for the past 28 years.

Despite resource challenges of its own, the association’s care centre currently assists 347 elderly people, of whom 60 are disabled.

To further expand its positive impact, two additional centres have been established at Isibanisezwe and Nsungwini, exemplifying the enduring spirit of ubuntu in rural communities.

From Monday to Friday the elderly meet at the centre for companionship, nutritious meals and activities such as sewing and craftwork.

They even have a personal trainer to help keep them in physical shape.

Managed by Sibusiso Delwa, the centre goes beyond its physical premises, with 21 caregivers supporting seniors living alone. Delwa stressed the importance of daily visits.

“In rural areas old age homes are scarce, therefore we have to step in. You often find elderly people living alone with no one taking care of them. A caregiver’s task is to visit them daily, wash and cook for them, look after their hygiene and make sure they take their chronic medication,” he said.

Delwa said while government support assisted to some degree, funds fell short of meeting their daily needs.

The centre sustains itself with a vegetable garden on a hectare of land, providing fresh produce for meals.

Ninety-six egg-laying chickens contribute to the centre’s budget but aspirations to expand the chicken farming project face financial hurdles.

Water scarcity poses another challenge. A borehole is broken and the association cannot afford to fix it.

“We are also trying to change our pit toilets into flushable ones. We have built them, but are now stuck because we do not have money for plumbing.

“This has wider implications. We have a hall available for hire but not having flush toilets negatively impacts bookings,” said Delwa.

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