A group of about 100 seniors from Langa gathered at Johnson Ngwevela Hall to celebrate Mandela Day on Friday 18 July.
The event was organised by Kheth’Impilo Aids Free Living in collaboration with Vanguard Community Health Centre (CHC) from Bonteheuwel.
Kheth’Impilo is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that specialises in solution development and implementation for health and community systems and services strengthening in marginalised communities.
Kheth’Impilo programme director, Nomvuyo Tyibilika- Dilimeni described the event as a special occasion for the elders. “To celebrate the 67 minutes of Madiba, we made a special meal and donated the fleece blankets to the elders. It is a sign of appreciation for their role in society. We also encourage them to take care of their lives,”
According to Tyibilika-Dilimeni they also invited the Department of Home Affairs to render its services free-of-charge.
“We are working closely with Vanguard CHC. We are visiting the patients in their houses providing them with their medication, we feed and even bathe them,” she stated, adding that they also remind seniors of their appointments.
Vanguard CHC professional nurse Khayakazi Timothy who works in a TB Unit urged the elders to take their treatment every day.
“Let’s normalise taking the treatment. There is a high rate of people infected with TB in the country. It is not difficult to beat. You only take TB treatment for six months and you get cured.
“Let’s take it and stop defaulting,” said Timothy.
Resident Nomakhaya Mlotywa from Zone 12 said, “We were told to take care of ourselves and stop defaulting the treatment. Also, we were encouraged to eat healthy and exercise to stay fit,” she said.
