New social worker appointed at Mooi Hawens in Amanzimtoti
I think this position at Mooi Hawens is a perfect fit for me, because I am a social worker at heart.
The future of Mooi Hawens is in good hands with the appointment of new social worker Mariza Kitching, 50. She took up the position on 6 January after the departure of Heilie van der Merwe late last year. With her extensive experience, Mariza is a good fit to oversee the three-tiered old age home.
She was born in Pretoria, but the family moved to Toti when her father was transferred. She completed her high school years at Kuswag. “My husband Johan was also at Kuswag, three years ahead of me, but I didn’t know him at school. We were introduced by friends when I moved back after completing my studies.”
Johan was a police officer at SAPS and enjoys hunting and fishing. They have one son, Ruben, who featured in the SUN for competitive shooting while at Glenwood and is now studying civil engineering at the University of Pretoria.
She studied social work at Tukkies and went on to complete her honours. She is now in the home stretch of completing her multi-disciplinary masters in law and social work at the University of KZN.
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Over the years she has held a variety of different positions and has gained extensive experience, working for various NGOs, including as a probation officer at Durban Court, which she found challenging and interesting, before applying and getting the position at Mooi Hawens. “I love it here. The people are so nice and they appreciate all you do for them. I’m very busy, but I really enjoy it.”
Mooi Hawens is made up of three different accommodation units – Mooi Hawens, where the 144 residents required some assistance, Tabor, independent living that consists of 95 flats and 106 residents, and the frail care section, also known as Huis Lena, which currently has 69 residents.
The old age home, which is a non-profit organisation, falls under the Residentia Retirement Village umbrella. Founded in 1957 in Pretoria by the Reformed Church, it has grown into a large organisation with 14 schemes in Kroonstad, Bethlehem, Bethulie, Pretoria, Pretoria North, Krugersdorp, Roodepoort, Bethal, Rustenburg, Nylstroom, Frankfort and Winklespruit. Facilities include retirement resorts, old age homes, frail care centres, service centres, now also home-based care, as well as a child centre and seaside camp site for children.
The Winkle scheme boasts a large staff contingent, including a nurse per floor, one for the independant living unit, a few for the frail care centre, care staff who assist the nurses, kitchen staff to provide three meals a day, and maintenance and cleaning staff.
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With so much on her plate, how does she relax? “I was a member of Run Walk For Life and I enjoyed my walking, but had to give it up because I was so busy. I also enjoy arts and crafts, knitting, sewing and crocheting. I unwind by working in my garden and I love eating out. My favourite restaurants are Ocean Basket, Mozambik and Friends in Toti.
I think this position at Mooi Hawens is a perfect fit for me, because I am a social worker at heart. I have lots of experience and a lot of compassion, especially working with people. I think I have a good balance of admin experience and working and helping people to help themselves.”
As an NPO, Mooi Hawens relies on help from the community to function, with a number of fundraising initiatives planned through the year. The frail care centre is always in need of adult nappies, toiletries, towels and face cloths. If you can help, call 031-916-1771.
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