North of Pretoria resident retires home to house elderly
The home relies on support from the Pretoria North and Chantelle communities, local churches, school groups, and individual donors who offer groceries, clothes, and emotional support.
A Chantelle resident in the north of Pretoria sacrificed her place of solitude for the elderly who need a home, and has continued to serve them for over a decade.
Nestled in the heart of Chantelle, Jabulani Old Age Home is a place of dignity and care for the elderly.
Guided by the motto “Human dignity, an idea we can all live with”, since its inception, the facility has provided a nurturing and spiritually enriching environment for the aged, especially those with limited or no resources.
Established as a non-profit organisation on July 2, 2013, Jabulani Old Age Home was born from the selfless vision of Anna Masilela, a qualified social worker.
What began as a dream soon became a lived reality when she sacrificed her residence to accommodate elderly people in need.
Masilela, who was motivated by Christian values, especially those drawn from Matthew 25:35-40, had a profound mission, which is to ensure the elderly live their twilight years with happiness and grace.
Nursing Service Manager Lydia Magano said the home caters to 18 residents, four men and 14 women, but has a capacity for up to 24 elders.
Magano said the home primarily offers assisted living care, especially for residents dealing with age-related physical or cognitive challenges.
She said a typical day is enriched with structured activities aimed at emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.
These include praise and worship sessions, storytelling, indoor games, exercises such as colouring, and leisurely walks.
“Medical care is central to the home’s operations. A resident doctor provides screening and emergency care, while those on chronic medication are supported through scheduled visits to Karenpark Clinic or their respective health institutions.
“The home also employs a team of six carers, a professional night nurse, a volunteering nursing manager, a cook, and a groundsman,” said Magano.
The home enjoys strong ties with local churches and faith-based organisations, which frequently visit to offer counselling, spiritual guidance, and Holy Communion.
A youth group also visits monthly to conduct spiritual revivals, keeping the elders engaged and uplifted.
The home’s clinical social worker provides counselling and family reunification services, ensuring residents maintain close relationships with their loved ones.
Magano said visiting hours are flexible, and regular Open Family Days, which are often held in December or February, foster meaningful family engagement.
The home relies on support from the Pretoria North and Chantelle communities, local churches, school groups, and individual donors who offer groceries, clothes, and emotional support.
Youth volunteers from nearby schools often assist during holidays, contributing their time while gaining valuable life experience.
She said the home is facing several challenges. These include the need for rezoning approval from the municipality, a designated emergency clinical room, additional storage space, an on-site transport vehicle, and maintenance upgrades like tiling, new refrigeration, laundry facilities, and repainting.
“Despite financial constraints, the management team has ambitious expansion plans.
“These include developing a frail care wing, a hospice for palliative care, and a youth empowerment wing to address social ills and train young people in eldercare,” said Magano.
Magano said the facility is also a training site for nursing students and hopes to establish official partnerships with universities and health institutions in Tshwane.
Though some of their stories have faded due to age-related decline, Jabulani’s residents include former hospital matrons, radio editors, school principals, government officials, and even political exiles.
Their presence enriches the home with a unique history and legacy that is both humbling and inspiring.
The community is encouraged to rally behind this vital sanctuary, whether through donations, partnerships or volunteering; every bit of support brings the home closer to its goal.
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