Milestone birthday for Huis Joanna

For 60 years, Huis Joanna has been a haven for the elderly in Utrecht.

In celebrating this milestone, the Suid-Afrikaanse Vrouefederasie (SAVF – South African Women’s Federation) and manageress, Sanet Bezuidenhout invited residents, family and officials to a birthday bash at the home last weekend.

There, guests tucked into delicious food from the spit braai.

However, the highlight for the elderly residents was the donation of new duvets by a local church, and renewed pledges of support from the eMadlangeni Municipality.

“Residents also thanked the committee and sponsors for making the home such a wonderful place to stay,” said a representative.

To understand the history of Huis Joanna, one must peek back in time to the formation of the Natalse Christelike Vrouevereniging (Natal Christian Women’s Union) in the early 1900s.

By 1915, earliest records showed, 18 members had registered in Utrecht.

The following year, when the Utrecht branch had officially formed, women of the area launched numerous projects, to raise funds for destitute families.

“On June 5, 1953, a meeting was held to discuss the need to establish a home for the aged in Utrecht,” reads a printed history of Huis Joanna.

Two pieces of land used for the home were donated by locals, and the cornerstone of the building was laid by Mabel Jansen at the opening, on May 2, 1956.

“In 2003, Huis Joanna was affiliated to the SAVF, an organisation founded on October 19 of 1904. Today, we offer frail care with the capacity for 50 residents. We provide a 24-hour service, including meals, laundry, furnished accommodation, nursing care, social activities and much more.”

Happy birthday, Huis Joanna – may you enjoy many, many more!