Dedicated Zamokuhle social worker shares her story
SANDRINGHAM – She is always happy and is willing to assist anyone in need.
Thembalami volunteer Makgati Legodi dedicates much of her time to the Zamokuhle gogos centre based in Sandringham.
Makgati first arrived at Thembalami in January 2010 as a social auxiliary work student who was looking for a place to do her practical after completing a year’s course at the Lethukukhanya Health Institute in Johannesburg.
She was already in her 30s but was determined to succeed in her new career field and was overjoyed when centre manager Elize Raath told her she was welcome to complete the practical component of her course at Thembalami.
After passing her social auxiliary work course with flying colours, Legodi was not ready to leave Thembalami, despite having fulfilled her course requirements.
“I told Elize I would be at work on Monday as usual,” she says.
Today, the 38-year-old Lombardy East resident still volunteers at the care centre and has been involved with the Zamokuhle programme, which is also part of the Rand Aid Care Centre project, since 2014.
She is now a fourth-year social worker student with Unisa and she will graduate with a CV full of experience.
“The care centre has given me many opportunities. I have served as the chairperson of the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Region E, representing the region in meetings with the department and helping to organise regional choir competitions and Age-in-Action events on the department’s behalf,” she says.
Again, this was all done on a volunteer basis, with Legodi not receiving a stipend from the department.
“I have learnt all about the South Africa Social Security Agency’s processes, so I am able to help elders access grants, and generally have been exposed to all aspects of social work, thanks to my time at Thembalami,” she added.
“We love Makgati,” says Victoria Smith, a co-founder of the centre.
“She is always happy and is willing to assist anyone in need. We tell everyone that Thembalami is our school and Makgati is our teacher.”
Details: Zamukuhle 011 882 4434.
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