Taking care of the elderly in honour of Nelson Mandela

The Walter Sisulu Local Municipality and various stakeholders closed off Mandela Month by donating a temporary park-home structure to the Sonwabile Pensioners NGO in Greenslade Community Hall in Maletswai on 28 July 2023. 

 

This comes after the organisation was in dire need of office space to carry out their duties and with the assistance from Office of the Premier and the Department of Social Development, they have received a temporary structure. 

 

The organisation was formed by elderly people who gather to share and engage on issues affecting them and social ills affecting the community. They also conduct awareness sessions at schools to teach learners about substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and other issues. 

 

Social Development District Director, Ms Annallie Odendaal, said the support they offer the organisation is paramount as it contributes towards the development of our communities. “We are here to show love and support to our elderly so that we can draw wisdom and emulate the culture of caring for one another,” said Odendaal. 

 

Various stakeholders contributed in the success of the programme including the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Raumix Community Trust, AVBOB, Mphatlalatsane Pensioners (NGO), Limakatso Boutique Hotel and health professionals.

 

Mayor Vania Davids appreciated the support played by all stakeholders, as envisioned by the District Development Model. “We must continue to work together to ensure that our NGOs receive the necessary support they need in order to fulfil their mandates.

 

“As the Municipality, we have made more commitments and we will work with more stakeholders to achieve the development we want in Walter Sisulu,” concluded Mayor Davids.