JABULANI – The Kingsburgh Welfare Organisation For The Aged celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 21, with a vibrant and memorable event.

Lesly Meyer, a resident and organiser, described the atmosphere as electrifying. “Residents were so excited about the function that they began arriving an hour early. To see how happy and grateful everyone was on Sunday was amazing, and it genuinely brought people together,” she said.

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The event featured a thank you speech by committee member Graham Grier, a bit of history by Beth Duncan, who has worked at Jabulani for many years, as well as a speech by André Beetge, who also organised gifts and Pick ‘n Pay vouchers.

Throughout the event, there were bands playing and residents and guests on the dance floor.

Lesly also gave a huge thank you to the 37 sponsors who helped make this event possible.

History of Jabulani:

Community member Carol Lane, who is in the process of writing a book on the history of Kingsburgh, shared some information about Jabulani.

Founded by Joan du Plooy, the organisation began with a vision of providing happiness and residential security for the elderly. The architect, Des Watkins, was approached to draw the plans for a multi-storey block of flats with twelve floors after a building society bond had been granted. The day before Joan passed away, she announced to the family that the final instalment of the building had been paid into the bank. Her impossible dream had been fulfilled.

Joan’s dedication to Jabulani was immense, and her legacy is honoured with the Joan du Plooy Hall in the facility.

Today, it houses around 80 pensioners who rely on a SASSA pension. The facility does not provide meals, so businesses and community members play a vital role in supporting the residents. Its thrift shop, which sells second-hand clothing, crafts and bric-a-brac, is crucial for maintaining the building and assisting new residents who move in with minimal belongings. Regular fundraisers and generous donations from locals, including weekly meals prepared by Denise Ashburner, are essential to Jabulani’s operation.

For more information, to donate or find out how you can assist, contact Jabulani on 068 019 7053 or at [email protected]

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