eMba Senior citizens had a cheerful Valentine’s Day
“We wanted to remind them that they are important in our lives and that we love them.”
eMBALENHLE – Ethembeni Home Based Care Centre organised a Valentine’s Day event for the elderly of Ward 10.
A senior citizen said at the event the elderly have faith that their centre will turn into a decent place for the seniors one day.
They currently meet daily under a roof shelter to take part in various activities to keep their bodies and minds fit.
The centre does not have running water, electricity or toilets and the elderly asked businesses and Government to help them.
They would like to do handcraft and to showcase their other skills and talents in a decent structure.
Ms Maria Khumalo, founder of the centre, said she realised the elderly spend much of their time caring for their grandchildren and other people and usually forget to take care of themselves.
Read more: Ethembeni Home Based Care hosts Valentine’s Day for eMba senior citizens
“We wanted to remind them through the Valentine’s Day event that they are important in our lives and that we love them,” added Ms Khumalo.
She said the centre helps the elderly forget about their problems and to focus on themselves through group discussions and various activities.
The centre has approximately 60 members, including orphans.
The elderly and the orphans used to receive food at the centre, but it is not possible anymore because their is no food or transport to fetch food from shops that sometimes donate it.
Ms Khumalo has not given up hope however and asked people who can help them, to do so.
She thanked Ms Kobie van der Linde for helping her organise the event.
“This woman has a good heart, though she has a different colour skin.
“She went around trying to get donations for us and slept in my house to help with the final arrangements and also with the cooking,” said Ms Khumalo.
The Ward 10 councillor, Ms Smangele Ntuli, said during her speech she wished there was a decent place in her ward where the elderly could be taken care of.
“They are always close to my heart, because I was also raised by my grandmother.”
She encouraged the elderly to report all kinds of abuse.
Ms Ntuli mentioned that Ms Khumalo approached her about the centre and she helped her to get more information from other centres that are already operating.
“I would love for our seniors to take part in the Golden Games that are hosted by the government.”
Those who would like to give a hand at the centre, can contact Ms Khumalo at 082 516 6159 or Ms Nthabeleng Mtahane at 073 581 0970.
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