KWANQETHO octogenarian, Magdalena Dladla, is living proof of the adage, age is just a number as she continues to make a difference in the lives of those around her with her courage, selflessness and passion.
With no formal education, Dladla (82) has worked continuously to empower residents in her valley with skills and confidence.
Growing up in Clermont, Dladla moved to the KwaNgcolosi area after she married.
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“I was very young at that time and I was not used to the valley life. For the first few years, I sat and did nothing, I was just a housewife. I was unfamiliar with area and I was a very shy person,” she said.
The passing of one of the children in the neighbourhood prompted Dladla to do something positive in the community.
“The children were left alone in the house as the mother was working.
“It was suspected that the child drank something poisonous. As a mother, that really hurt me.”
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Being a shy young woman, Dladla said she approached a woman from the area and asked her to spread the word that she was offering to look after the children.
“In those days, there was not a single creche in the area. I started with only three and within a few weeks, I was looking after 30 children,” she said.
Selflessness shines through
Dladla’s generous heart and humble nature led to her looking after the children for free.
“As time went by, I asked parents for R5 so that I could get more food the children.”
The community builder said at that time she did not have toys or a proper building. “In the mornings I would keep them in one of the rooms and during the day, we would go and play outside. We would use sticks to draw on the sand,” she said.
The situation improved when she was introduced to a group of women who ran a feeding scheme in the Hillcrest area.
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“I was scared. I did not know English as I was not educated, but eventually I became brave,” she said with a warm smile.
She was advised to visit a social worker. “I also had to get permission from the chief, as my husband and I owned a big yard and the chief had to come and inspect and speak to the social worker.
“The chief wanted to witness this as it was never done in the area. With the help of the Hillcrest ladies, I received donations of building materials. The community members also stepped up and assisted to put up the building.
From there, Dladla developed a good relationship with the women from the feeding scheme. “On some days, the kids would be invited to Hillcrest and Kloof creches where they would mingle with other kids and return with toys which put a big smile on their faces,” she said.
The mother of 11 said it was hard to balance her community work and her family life, but her passion to make a difference helped make the situation easier.
Through her ongoing efforts, Dladla was introduced to the Valley Trust. “I asked them to teach people in the community how to garden.
“They taught us and the food really helped us in the creche. People could feed their families or sell it, it also served as an income generation for our poor community.
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The 82-year-old, who has since done community health care courses, added, “I was given a task to teach other women. To make it easier for them, I taught through music, poems and dance so that the information registered in their minds.”
In her years of serving the community, she has worked closely with police. “I developed a close relationship with police as they would leave abandoned or wandering children with me up until they found their homes or places of safety.
She said in the past, there were a few social workers and counsellors. “Police would also come to me if there was a rape victim,” she added.
Bringing medical relief to the community through her NPO, the Ikhayalethu Rescue Centre, which was registered in 2007, Dladla was able to get trainee doctors, assisted by a senior doctor, to run a clinic at a rondavel in her home.
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“They would come here every Sunday and this helped the community get medical assistance close by.”
At her age, she should be enjoying her retirement, but she continues to make a difference with her feeding scheme every Wednesday.
“I cannot chase people away, people still approach me for assistance and advice. I get food donations from SPAR in Waterfall and Hillside Church.
“I have done this with love and it would not have been possible without the many people who have assisted and taught me what I know now. I am thankful to my children who were willing to share me with others and to my late husband who allowed me to do the things I have done.
She has also written poems about community issues and HIV/AIDS. She also played a role in helping the residents in her valley receive water in their yards.
Fruits of her labour
Reminiscing about her journey and achievements, Dladla smiled and said it was through her selfless acts that she was able to board a flight. I have travelled and have been awarded many certificates and trophies including Community Builder of the Year and Women of the Year.”
She added that the respect that people give her fulfills her. “People trust me and that alone shows me that I have done good.”
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