Community takes care of its own gogo

Kwathema – the community of Reedville came together to help Gogo Henrietta Vilakazi to get her life back on track, on July 21.

Tazi Mnguni and Salamina Mabena – Gogo Vilakazi’s neighbours – were always concerned about her living in the house alone.

“She has been ill for a while and we knew that she could not take care of herself,” explains Mabena.

The two neighbours then took turns to check on Gogo regularly.

“Simphakela nathi masidla (we dish up for her when we eat)”, adds Mnguni.

It was Dolly Motaung, executive for Age and Disability portfolio in the ward committee, who eventually requested Ward 74 councillor Thulani Simelani to ask the metro to intervene.

“We then realised that Gogo does not even have an identity document,” says Motaung.

Moepeng Mabitsela, the social worker assigned to Gogo’s case, says that she was overwhelmed by the community’s interest in Gogo’s wellbeing.

“I quickly contacted the Department of Home Affairs and realised that Gogo had identity documents before – she just lost them.”

Derick Mahlo, an official from the department, was present to hand over the identity document.

“We have managed to make all of this happen in less than five weeks because the people were so zealous,” explains Mabitsela.

Other members of the community cleaned Gogo’s house, painted the exterior walls and attended to the overgrown grass in her yard.

The house was also made more secure by installing burglar-proof gates and window bars.

Godo Vilakazi was also delighted to receive groceries and blankets from the community.