The beneficiaries are taught a variety of handcrafts, such as knitting and crocheting, enjoy morning tea and lunch, and benefiting from health and social awareness initiatives.
Showing some of the items they have made at Thembalami, are Zamokuhle regulars Ms Margaret Sithe, Ms Edith Chadibe, Ms Nelly Maleba and Ms Maggie Mamabolo.
Singing, laughter and the clinking of tea cups could be heard at the Thembalami Care Centre on March 12, during the Zamokuhle open day.
The Rand Aid Association-run care centre started an outreach programme in 2009, focused on giving older people from nearby Alexandra and River Park the chance to get out of the house three times a week and enjoy the company of their peers.
Zamokuhle, which means, “Yes, I can” in Zulu, is funded by Rand Aid which is also non-profit organisation. Government funding has now been requested to help subsidise the initiative.
This has allowed Thembalami to expand the programme and invite additional older people to join in the fun. The programme takes place three mornings a week.
The beneficiaries are taught a variety of handcrafts, such as knitting and crocheting, enjoy morning tea and lunch, and benefiting from health and social awareness initiatives.
The ‘gogos’ who are currently part of Zamokuhle have started a choir and they love to entertain whenever the occasion allows it.
They have even composed a special song in honour of Thembalami.
Residents of Alexandra, Lombardy, Lyndhurst and Edenvale who are 60 years or older can call Ms Lara Hurwitz at Thembalami on 011 882-4434 if they are interested in becoming part of Zamokuhle.
Members of the community who may wish to donate materials for arts and craft activities, are also asked to contact Ms Hurwitz.
Cheers… Ms Esther Benzana and Ms Florence Fezekasinxo.
Members of the Zamokuhle outreach programme choir in action.
Still got the moves… Ms Sheila Mwaabe and Ms Florence Fox show off their dance moves. Mam Fox gave an inspiring talk to the people at the open day, telling them they should not sit at home when they can join in the fun at Thembalami.
Ms Winnie Lefoka chats on during the Zamokuhle open day.
Ms Makgati Legodi and Mr Lufuno Malaudzi are both doing their experiential training at the Thembalami Care Centre. Ms Legodi is an auxiliary social worker who has been at the care centre for 18 months; while Mr Malaudzi is a fourth year Unisa social work student who joined Thembalami in January. Pictured with them are two of the Alexandra ‘gogos’ who regularly attend the outreach programme.
Newcomer to Zamokuhle, Ms Grace Letswano, with Thembalami’s Matron Paulina Hlatshwako and Ms Cynthia Liptz, examining one of the items made by the Zamokuhle regulars.
Mr Lufuno Malaudzi, a fourth year social work student, takes the ‘gogos’ through their paces to help keep them physically and mentally sharp.
Ms Florence Fox, a regular participant of the Zamokuhle outreach programme, tells visitors to the Thembalami open day that they must not sit at home and do nothing, but rather get involved in community initiatives like Zamokuhle.
Ms Cynthia Liptz, from Thembalami’s OT department, with little Buhle Nwatsuku.
Ms Betty Raphagka and Ms Connie Manamela enjoy the camaraderie offered at the open day.
Showing some of the items they have made at Thembalami, are Zamokuhle regulars Ms Margaret Sithe, Ms Edith Chadibe, Ms Nelly Maleba and Ms Maggie Mamabolo.