Gogo has a plan to warm up others

Stephan Lehman

With winter here, Edenvale community member Beauty Makete hopes to keep the disabled warm.

The 61-year-old Tembisa resident, who has worked in Edenvale for 15 years, said this year was the first time she decided to start a project to help others.

Beauty recently knitted and donated 17 beanies and a blanket for the disabled at Tembisa Self Help Association of the Disabled (T-SHAD).

“Towards the end of last year I saw a need to help disabled children. They are not receiving enough help,” said Beauty.

Beauty said she kept pondering about how to make a difference in their lives.

She said with winter coming she decided the best way to help them was to crochet warm items for them.

“My granny taught me how to crochet when I was young. I just enjoyed it and carried on.”

In order to get the ball rolling Beauty asked the patients of Smilessence Dental Surgery to make donations of wool.

Beauty said with one donation she was able to knit all the items.

“I started to crochet a blanket but after I made one realised there would not be enough wool to make more, so I decided to make beanies,” said Beauty.

Although this occurred in the build-up to Mandela Day, Beauty said it was not specifically for Mandela Day.

Beauty believes people need to do good, no matter what day of the year it is.

“I feel a bit sad and disappointed that people only help one day of the year, on Mandela Day. We must help each other all the time,” said Beauty.

After donating the crocheted items a few weeks ago Beauty realised T-SHAD needs more assistance.

She said she will continue to help them as much as she can.

“It is a nice feeling to help others. God tells us, ‘Blessed are the hands that give’. We can’t keep on taking and taking. It’s not good,” said Beauty.

By crocheting Beauty believes she can both help people and stay healthy.

“You move your fingers and exercise them. Crocheting helps with your arthritis,” said Beauty.

Beauty hopes to keep the initiative going as long as she can.

She told the NEWS once she retires she will teach people how to crochet and try to help people stay healthy.

Nelisiwe Mhlongo, who works at the dentist’s offices, said she is happy for Beauty and hopes she continues with the initiative.

Doctor Juliana Mathews of SmileSense said she is very excited about the initiative.

“The three of us have spoken and there is not [enough] awareness for the needs at disabled homes,” said Mathews.

Mathews believes if everyone does their bit it will help communities and organisations in need.

Anyone interested in donating wool or cleaning supplies to help with a clean-up at T-Shad can drop the goods at Smilessence Dental Surgery at 12 Van Riebeeck Avenue in Edenvale.

#YourStory