Tafta applauds care givers on Women’s Day

The role of trail-blazing businesswomen and those who’ve made their mark in the socio-economic reform of South Africa is often lauded on Women’s Day.

This year however, The Association for the Aged (Tafta) calls on South Africans to reflect on and celebrate the role played by those women who care for those so important to us – our elders.

“There are many women out there who dedicate their lives to the care of others; a legion of helpers and carers who support women like myself to continue to pursue our professional goals. We tend to overlook the role these women play in nation-building, and even gender parity – simply because they remain unseen in the background, shadowed by the successes of the women in the boardroom,” said Tafta CEO Femada Shamam.

Shamam, who shares the helm of Tafta with a women-dominated leadership team, believes it is time to recognise those women whose care-giving roles extend beyond their own families to caring for others as well.

“At Tafta, we’re surrounded by many of these strong, caring women who rise to the challenge of caring for elders both within Tafta’s facilities and within the communities we serve. As the South African ageing population is set to double by 2050, there is a collective need for skilled caregivers who are able to compassionately care for our elders. Tafta currently provides care for around 300 frail elders who require 24 hour care, but with demand growing, we want to be able to increase our reach to even more frail elders in the community. Without the selfless countenance of women who so readily take on these professions of care, we could possibly face a severe shortage of carers in the years to come.”

For this reason too, the organisation has stepped in to bridge the gap of the future; providing three-month intensive care practitioner training courses which equip carers with both theoretical and practical training.

Tafta trained carer Sharon Hoosen who cares for elders within the Austerville community, says she’s been blessed to be part of the Tafta home-based care programme: “I’ve been given the opportunity to earn an income while caring for others, which is something that just comes naturally to me.”

Hoosen’s client Agnes Warner says Hoosen is her personal blessing, and like many other Tafta carers, deserves to be recognised for the incredible role she plays. “We get along really well and she is like a daughter to me. She’s come to my rescue and I am so grateful for the care she provides.”

For more information regarding the care practitioner programme, call 031-332-3721. If you would like to donate towards care practitioner training courses, email ateesha@tafta.org.za.

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