Local woman receives award for humanitarian work

Wheatlands resident Pauline Mokaye has received recognition for her hard work and dedication and was awarded with the Community Development Meritious Award.

This was in August at the Westonaria Banquet Hall during an awards ceremony hosted by Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) Mayor Gladys Khoza.

Mokaye is the founder of Wheatlands Community Care for the Aged which is famously known as Wheatlands old age home which houses homeless elderly citizens at the property. She also looks after them.

The award is a token of appreciation for Mokaye’s exceptional humanitarian work and her efforts in promoting diversity in and around her community.

Speaking to the Herald in an interview Mokaye said she was thrilled to receive the award and added that it feels good to know that her efforts don’t go unnoticed and are appreciated.

“I feel so honoured to have received this prestigious award. I remember I received a call inviting me to the awards ceremony and I didn’t even know I was going to be honoured. I just thought that I was invited – like everyone else,” said Mokaye.

She added that she was shocked when she heard her name being called out in the crowd.

“I felt like fainting when they called out my name. I was so shocked but happy at the very same time. I didn’t know that my work would lead me here and I’m so grateful to the Executive Mayor who saw me befitting of such an award,” said Mokaye.

Asked on what her future plans are for the home, she said she wants it to be the most beautiful old age home in the country that offers warmth to those in it.

Wheatlands was established in 2017 and houses 37 elderly citizens. Some of those in her home were once vagrants and some who were abandoned by their family members.

She is appealing to residents and local businesses for donations in the form of food, old or new clothes, funding, adult nappies and building material if possible.

To offer a helping hand, Mokaye can be contacted on 072 851 8287.