- The Stroke Survivors Wellness of South Africa Foundation (SSWSAF) in Makhaza celebrated World Stroke Day with an awareness campaign at Desmond Tutu Community.
- Founder Themba Tsotsobe highlighted the importance of medical awareness in black communities, noting common misconceptions and the need for professional check-ups.
- Foundation member Busisiwe Mafanya emphasized the value of support groups and shared that the foundation has helped her regain mobility and understand stroke prevention and recovery.
Members of Stroke Survivors Wellness of South Africa Foundation (SSWSAF) in Makhaza celebrated World Stroke Day on Thursday 31 October by hosting an awareness campaign on the condition.
World Stroke Day is celebrated on 29 October annually.
However, SSWSAF opted to celebrate the day two days later to coincide with members’ regular meeting.
The gathering was at Desmond Tutu Community Hall in Makhaza.
SSWSAF is a non profit organisation that educates and empowers stroke survivors.
Its founder, Themba Tsotsobe, described stroke as a silent killer.
“Many people, particularly in the black communities, are not well-informed on the illness,” he said. “Most of them associate it with witchcraft, and instead of going to see the professional practitioners they tend to see traditional doctors.”
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Tsotsobe said in most cases those most susceptible to strokes are people who suffer depression, have stress, high blood pressure, diabetes, who consume excessive alcohol and/or take drugs.
“It is vital for people to visit professionals, real medical practitioners, for check-ups. Also we need to eat healthy foods.”
Therefore, said another member of SSWSAF, Busisiwe Mafanya, the event was educational.
She said she had learnt a lot since joining the foundation.
“We have support groups where we share our stories and advise one another. The foundation opened my mind to the illness. Now I can walk.”
She urged others facing the same challenge to join the foundation.
