How Gertrude beats the odds

Ntsako Mabunda

LIMPOPO – NOT many people get shot at close range and survive, but Gertrude Phakula, who experienced a horrific attempt on her life in 2003, beats the odds.

However, Phakula suffered a massive injury to the spinal cord and is now confined to a wheelchair.

Her attackers or their motives have unfortunately never been found.

After going on early retirement from nursing and taking time to get used to her new life, Phakula found her new calling; caring for others.

She founded Lwandlanene Care Centre in 2013, which was registered as a non-profit organisation in 2014, where she uses her extensive experience in nursing, as well as management. The centre cares for elderly people who see the place as their home and they live with eight care workers who tend to their needs.

“As administrator, I make sure the centre is well-run, kept clean and that everything runs as smoothly as possible and that the food is well-balanced. We have not yet been funded, but local businesses help us out with food donations. The old age and disability grants that our residents receive help them pay to reside here. We also ensure their funeral covers are kept up to date to simplify things for their families in the event of death,” Phakula says.

A first of its kind in Giyani, Lwandlanene certainly fills a void.

Phakula also serves as a board member of Ndlandlamuka Sustainable Development Institute, which encourages young people to participate in agriculture.

Phakula, who believes she still has a lot to offer society, was recently nominated by the Business Women’s Association (BWA) under the social category as one of the phenomenal women making a difference.

Those who wish to assist Lwandlanene in anyway can contact Phakula at kgphakula@vodamail.co.za or 082 355 9699.