Keeping the local elderly warm and safe

The Nhlanhla Tshabalala Foundation (NTF) together with the Mrs Soweto 2023 finalists donated blankets and hot water bottles to the elderly citizens of Pimville and Chiawelo.

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Giving blankets symbolises warmth and love. The action of wrapping someone in a blanket is a real statement of kindness and a demonstration of honour.

Moreover, the significance of this campaign is to make sure that elderly people are kept warm regardless of load shedding.

Nhlanhla Tshabalala of the NTF said that, “The aim is to make sure that our elders are kept warm and safe. We want to show appreciation to them while using these blankets and hot water bottles to reignite their love.”

A blanket can provide a barrier against the cold, both physically and emotionally. It can be a reminder that someone cares, that there are people who are willing to help. They not only provide warmth, but also a sense of security and safety.

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“Giving them blankets means warming them up with our love as their grandchildren. This means that we still need them and therefore keeping them warm preserves their lives during this winter,” said Mel Tlhapi, Mrs Soweto 2023 finalist.

“This is so special to me because I was raised by my grandmother and these blankets remind me of the love, she had for me. The blessing from our elders is an ancestral anointing to me.”

To win an old person’s heart is gifting them with respect and honour. “We thank God for Nhlanhla. Not a lot of young people have the desire to go all out to keep us warm, especially during this time of load shedding.

“May God continue to bless him with a giving heart,” said Busisiwe Marumo, one of the elders who received blankets.

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Donation drives within communities done by individuals inspire positive change.

Tshabalala concluded with these words of encouragement to other game changers striving to better the lives of their communities.

“Let’s continue helping where we are still able to reach. This can mean the world to those in need, let’s continue making a difference every day.”