Celebrating Mandela Day with gogos

An elderly woman suffering from dementia does not mean she is practising witchcraft.

Nomvuyiso Ntshebeshe of the Department of Social Development said this thinking was a myth that people in the black community need to be educated about.

Ntshebeshe was speaking to residents of Zibambeleni Old Age Home at the Gamalakhe ZG Hall during a Mandela Day celebration.

The celebration was organised by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) and Njilo Consulting and Logistics.

As part of the celebration, residents of Zibambeleni received blankets and other goodies.

Ntshebeshe said dementia includes problems with memory, thinking, problem-solving, language and perception.

She said it is not a disease but a natural part of ageing.

“With dementia, you can find an elderly person walking naked, talking in riddles. And when people see her, they accuse her of witchcraft. We plead with you to know that this condition exists. Educate other people about it,” she said.

Ntshebeshe said it was alarming how the elderly are being abused, but they do not report it.

“The Department of Social Development offices are here in Gamalakhe; if you see your elderly neighbour being abused, report it. Even if their living condition is not good or they are not well taken care of, come to us as the department,” she said.

She urged pensioners not to allow their children and grandchildren to bully them into taking their monthly grant.

She said the older persons’ grant is for the elderly and their needs, saying that grandchildren and unemployed people receive grants as well.

RNM mayor Zodwa Mzindle said it was heartbreaking to meet an elderly woman who was in poor health, and who had not received her grant.

She said the problem is that some children or grandchildren take the grant to buy alcohol.

“Grandmothers send their children to collect their pension, and they do not return with the money or groceries. I would do anything to wake my mother up from the dead, so I would advise people to appreciate and love their mothers while they are still alive. Hug them, and give them money. They like money, even if it is R20, they will appreciate it,” said Mzindle.

Nqobile Mfeka of Njilo Consulting and Logistics said giving back to the community as black-owned businesses encourages the spirit of Ubuntu.

She said the business, Njilo, is what it is today because of the support of the community and the prayers of the elderly.

“Although these gogos do not know us, we know that they pray for us because when they pray for the youth of South Africa, they are including us. Where there are gogos, you feel at home, warm and protected. We are very grateful to get this opportunity to celebrate Mandela Day with you,” she said.

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