Constable Given Serema hands a gift to Abel Molefe. Photo: Leseho Manala
A group of elderly citizens from the Joseph Gerard Foundation Home of Peace in Alex were treated to a memorable festive season outing by the police’s two charity organisations, Men For Change and the Women’s Network, based at Alex Police Station.
The elderly honoured. Hebert Bokaba hands a blanket to Nondlela Mazibuko while elderly residents from Joseph Gerard Foundation Home of Peace in Alex watch in the background. Photo: Leseho Manala
The group was taken to the serene environment of the Roman Catholic Church in Rivonia, away from the crowded Alex, where the officers pampered them with goodies, food, blankets and sleepers for their comfort.
The occasion was one of the two organisations’ many acts of charity and compassion. This time they wanted to establish a celebratory mood amongst the group because of the festive season. The organisations also wanted to encourage others to celebrate the festive season with the elderly, to take them home or to visit them at care centres.
Constable Given Serema said everybody, despite their social status, owes a lot to the elderly who were their support while they were growing up and who often still support them in spite of their meagre resources.
“We shouldn’t neglect [the elderly], but care for them. They need very little – only time, patience and understanding from their offspring – and to be there for them in their frail, disabled and sickly condition. They need and deserve food, clothes and cuddling from us, just as they [gave] us when we were young. Also, walking chairs and sticks to [help them] perform their errands with dignity, while we still need them to pass on to us all the knowledge and important history about family,” Serema said.
The elderly with the gifts they received from the police. Photo: Leseho Manala
He spoke out against family members who took the elderly to care centres when they were still fully functional and also criticised those whose regarded the elderly as outdated and irrelevant. “Only those who don’t understand humanity will do so, forgetting that they too will expect assistance from their offspring one day.”
Serema said they also worked with the social crime prevention unit to support the elderly. “The unit provides them with a conducive environment and easy access to services through ramps and other facilities.”
He explained that social workers assist the elderly in privacy so that they won’t be afraid to report someone who is abusing them. They are also taught how to receive and ensure security for their grants and others social services.
Fundiswa Shabangu, manager at the home that also runs a creche, reprimanded relatives who abandoned the elderly or let them wander about on their own.
Men For Change, Women’s Network members and Alexandra police officers treat the elderly to some music. Photo: Leseho Manala
“We should condemn their lack of cultural values and respect and applaud the police for combining their duty of protection with caring for them with refreshing outings like this,” Shabangu said.
