Mandela Day celebration highlights needs at Epilepsy SA centre

The Epilepsy SA centre in Springs came alive on Mandela Day as its residents and the City of Ekurhuleni and Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) officials gathered to honour the late former president’s legacy through acts of service and compassion.

The centre’s director, Aileen Langley, told the Springs Advertiser that days like this serve as a reminder to residents and staff that they are not forgotten.

She said that having the officials at the centre is important because it allows them to witness the efforts made by the staff for the residents and to identify where help is needed.

“Considering what we went through financially, our staff feel appreciated because they have stayed with us and care for the residents.

“As for the residents, people often forget those living with disabilities. It’s easy to turn a blind eye, so days like this serve as a reminder that they matter too,” said Langley.

Langley expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for coming out on a special day like Mandela Day and spending time with the residents.

She said that their presence has paved the way for new projects at the centre in the future.

“By involving them, we can demonstrate the residents’ needs and the work we do as an organisation,” said Langley.

The GPL chairperson, Tlou Chokoe, told the publication that spending the day at the centre helps ensure Mandela’s values are passed on to future generations.

He said that the legislature was motivated by how the centre caters to all ages, including the children and the elderly.

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“We wanted to celebrate with them and find out what they need from us — such as painting some of their offices or providing toiletries. They also informed us about some of the programmes they run and would like the legislature to support,” said Chokoe.

Chokoe concluded by saying that people need to be reminded of the challenges faced by organisations like Epilepsy SA, and that greater public awareness is needed.

“People are living with epilepsy whose parents or guardians are afraid to seek help from the government because they’re uncertain about the government’s ability to support them.

“That’s why people need to know that centres like this exist.”

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