Tafta coordinator soars into new beginnings

IT was a bittersweet week of goodbyes and well-wishes for Heidi Naidoo when she packed up her belongings to soar into new beginnings.

She began her journey at The Association for the Aged (Tafta) as the Primrose Wellness Centre Coordinator at the John Dunn Home in March 2018 and closed her eventful chapter on Friday, August 20.

Having previously worked several jobs in Durban, Johannesburg and London she shared that it was only at Primrose Wellness Centre where she believes she found herself and her passion. “Only when I started at Tafta, I realised my true passion which is to work with the community and the elderly. Most times we forget that the aged were the people that kept us off the streets, fed us when we were hungry. They were the aunts and uncles that never gave up on us even when we did not deserve their compassion.

“My passion stems from my granny, who is now 92-years-old and my mother. They have loved and served the community of Wentworth for many years before I was even born. They taught me so much and I will be eternally grateful.”

Heidi shared that she realised that working as a wellness coordinator her drive to want to make the elders’ lives a little brighter and better daily. “All they really need is attention and care and you will see them shine. They just need a place to come to where they can still enjoy the time they have left.”

The biggest obstacle she faced was trying to carry out her duties when Covid-19 hit last year. Most of the centre’s activities had to be cancelled which she described as very unfortunate.

“Old people get so lonely and are so easily overlooked. They miss their families and some of them don’t get visitors or the treats they would get at home. A phone call or kind gesture goes a long way in making them feel loved and seen. So that became my main effort when we couldn’t hold events and interactive activities. We were also able to ensure that our Primrose members got their Christmas lunch and gift via drive-by.

“I always want to do what I can to help fill that gap. It’s nice to just spend time and some fun activities with them. It makes you feel like you’re doing that extra special service for an elder who is not your family. Working in the NPO sector adds to that fulfilment because many of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds which motivates me to want to do even more for them. I hope and pray this continues with the person taking over from me,” she said, giving thanks to the unsung heroes who helped with no pay on all her initiatives.

“I’m very sad. I’m going to miss my colleagues, the elders, the community, the busyness, the laughs, tears and the dancing. I’m going to miss everything about Tafta.

“I think change is necessary for me right now. I love that I’ll still be working with the elderly. I’m looking forward to more challenges, being in a different city and meeting new people. I will be starting at another retirement home next month, which is also within the NPO sector. I am excited and look forward to the new challenge I will be facing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed growing and working with the warmest loving elders I have ever come across. They will always be in my heart and I will miss them dearly.”  

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