‘We cannot have another Life Esidimeni tragedy’

Home for some of our city's most vulnerable at risk of closure after 68 years if donors are not found as fundraising for NGOs stalls in tough economic climate.

November 15, 2023

Emily Wellman Bain 3 minutes read

Natasha Moyo has lived there for 12 years and suffers from birth trauma.

Fears that residents of the Woodside Sanctuary in Auckland Park could face the same fate as those in the Life Esidimeni tragedy if funding is not secured.

The home cares for 84 children and adults with profound intellectual disabilities who are unable to live at home and was established as a non-profit 68 years ago.

Trevor Rodriques has been there for 26 years.

General manager Kirsten Williams says, “We are facing an unprecedented situation. So much hangs in the balance if we cannot keep our doors open. But failure is not an option.”

Fundraising in these difficult economic times has been hard with their last reserves being exhausted by caring for those who call Woodside home.

Blessing Nyathi has lived there for 23 years.

Without donations from caring individuals and local businesses these residents will have nowhere to go that can care for them while ensuring quality medical treatments continue and their dignity preserved.

“They would probably end up in a state facility and when one thinks about what has happened in the past and reflects on the Life Esidimeni tragedy one can’t help but be scared. Would our residents be placed in a facility that is facing bureaucratic inefficiencies, overcrowding and a lack of care that treats them with love, care, and dignity?”

Williams says these are the questions that keep her up at night. She says other NGOs are facing similar challenges in these tough economic times.

Relebohile Tladi has lived there for 11 years. Birth defects made it difficult for her family to care for her.

Heidi McLeod has lived there for 61 years after she came to Woodside as a two-week-old baby. “Would she survive another year if she had to move elsewhere? Another facility would not know what she needs, when she needs it and what makes her smile and keeps her healthy. Would her nappy be changed frequently enough to keep her healthy?”

LeeAnn January’s son lives at Woodside. She says the prospect of the sanctuary closing is unimaginable. “Before coming to Woodside, Joshua was silent and filled with frustration. Now he talks more and is so happy because of the treatments and care the staff give him which is more than I ever could. It is crucial for the work they do to be recognised as an essential service to some of the most vulnerable in our city.”

Gareth Hunt has lived at Woodside Sanctuary for 26 years and is a victim of foetal alcohol syndrome.

Woodside gets most of its income from government grants, about R5 000 per person. “This is not nearly enough when one considers all the treatments and special needs our residents require. It is nothing compared to some of the Life Esidimeni grants.”

Because they are a registered non-profit and can get private funding, ‘the state assumes that that is always possible so when we are struggling, they do not help fill the gap’.

We rely on private donations to boost our state funds but those have all but dried up recently. “Everyone is feeling the pinch and there is less and less money available for people to donate to charitable causes.”

Smollie Masalila has been there for 25 years.

Their youngest resident is three while their oldest is 67. Those who call Woodside home live there for their entire lives, meaning every need is catered for often over decades.

Not all are suffering from a disability from birth though. Williams speaks of David. “ He was born normal and obtained a degree in chemical engineering from UCT before he was involved in a horrific motorcycle accident that severely damaged his brain. He joined us in 2001 and is unable to remember any new information but can recall his life before the crash.”

David Warburton was born healthy but had a motorcycle accident. He has lived there for 22 years.

Blessing Nyathi started suffering from seizures which caused her disabilities. Williams says her parents became overwhelmed by trying to give her the specialised care she requires and wanted her to have a better life than they could provide. “She is known as Lebo by her friends and staff where she has lived since 2000 and where she is so happy. If we closed our doors, I shudder to think what her life might look like elsewhere.

Tebogo Lethoko has resided there for 14 years and was born prematurely.

“Our will is unshakable in our efforts to keep this home operational and to continue our excellence in the care and treatment of those dependent on us for their every need. We will persevere and humbly thank every individual, supporter, and patron working with Woodside to ensure our survival. Together, we are stronger, and where there is hope, there is always a way.”