The Duduza Care Centre near Wasbank, a non-profit organisation under the Diocese of Dundee, has issued an urgent appeal for support to sustain its critical hospice services.

Sister Colette Mthimkhulu, director of the centre and a member of the Franciscan Nardini Sisters, said the facility is struggling to meet the growing needs of its patients.

“Our inpatient hospice, which accommodates 15 terminally ill patients, is in dire need of basic supplies such as adult nappies, linen savers, nutritional supplements and strong pain medication,” said Sister Colette. “Without this support, we cannot provide the dignity and comfort our patients deserve in their final days.”

The centre serves communities across the Umzinyathi and Uthukela districts and offers a wide range of programmes, including:

• Inpatient hospice care for individuals suffering from cancer, advanced HIV, and other life-limiting illnesses.

• Home-based care, with staff visiting patients to provide medical and emotional support.

• An orphans and vulnerable children’s programme, which provides meals, after-school care, psychosocial support, and builds homes for orphaned children in child- or granny-headed households.

• Youth empowerment initiatives offering education, artisan training, and computer skills to equip young people for the future.

To raise much-needed funds, the centre is currently running a raffle in partnership with Cook for Life. Tickets cost R50 each, with prizes including:

• First prize: Food Genius Air Fryer (cooks three meals at once).

• Second prize: 3-in-1 Grill Max (sandwiches, waffles, grill).

• Third prize: Compact Food Processor (blending and chopping).

The raffle draw will take place on September 14 during the annual pilgrimage at Maria Ratschitz Mission.

“We invite individuals, businesses, and organisations to come forward,” added Sister Colette. “Every contribution – no matter how small – brings hope to the hopeless and restores dignity to those who are suffering.”

For more information or to contribute, contact Sister Colette Mthimkhulu on 078 150 2946.

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