At the age of 60, Nozipho Skoboy, from Kwazakele in Gqeberha, decided it was time to work towards obtaining her caregiver qualification, after working as a domestic worker for over 20 years, and 10 years as an unqualified caregiver. The qualification will allow Skoboy to continue pursuing her passion of taking care of others.
In 2013, while working as a domestic worker for Ken Robertson and his wife, Mona, at Somerson Retirement Village in Summerstrand, Ken sadly passed away.
To her surprise, Nozipho said Mona asked her to continue working for her as a caregiver, despite not being qualified.
When Mona passed away in 2016, she was appointed by sister Martie Potgieter, who was the matron and owner of Somerson Retirement Village at the time, and Sister Jenny du Preez to take care of Anita Sonderop, who was a resident at the retirement village.
Du Preez was appointed as the new matron and owner of the retirement village when Potgieter retired in 2017.
“I am ambitious, dedicated and I love being a caregiver. I believe that they requested my help to take care of Anita because of my passion for taking care of others,” said Skoboy.
“Being a caregiver is not just a job; to me it is a calling. I love being a caregiver with all my heart.”
Skoboy said that she took care of Anita until her passing in 2022.
To ensure that she had the necessary training and qualification to continue working as a caregiver, she said earlier this year that she had decided to complete a caregiver course at Winforce Training Academy in Newton Park, where she was the oldest in her class.
Finally, Skoboy graduated on May 26, and is looking forward to taking care of more people.
She said that her passion for caregiving prompted her to follow her dreams and work towards receiving the necessary qualifications and training.
Through her experience Skoboy said that she hopes to encourage more people to accomplish their goals, regardless of their age.
“Age is just a number, and it is never too late to chase your dreams and set new goals. I am proud that I was able to accomplish my goals, and I am still motivated to continue following my dreams which is to take care of others,” said Skoboy.
To pay homage to those who helped her achieve her dream, she said that she would like to thank Ken and Mona’s children, Sharon Gibbon and Gary Robertson, Anita’s children, Michelle Combrinck and Professor Mark Sonderop, Martie and Jenny from the retirement village, Patrys Wolmarans, director of Winforce Training Academy, and Sister Maryna Prinsloo, facilitator at Winforce Training Academy.
