In the spirit of Mandela Day, Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) welcomed back a group of cherished older women from Alexandra, affectionately known as the ‘gogos’, who were previously part of Thembalami’s Zamokuhle outreach programme.
Although the 14-year-long Zamokuhle programme came to a close in June 2023 due to budget cuts by the Department of Social Development, the bond between Thembalami and the gogos remains strong. The reunion, held on Wednesday, July 16, marked a heartwarming return for the women to the centre that had supported them for over a decade.
During the 67-minute Mandela Day celebration, the gogos joined residents and staff for a day of joyful activities. The programme included light exercises, singing, and a creative session making pom-pom dolls. These handmade dolls, as well as bibs that were made by Thembalami housemother Jane Mogwale and resident Jo-Ann Weyerman-Noble, were later donated to Sithandiwe Disabled Care Centre in Lombardy East, extending the day’s goodwill even further.
Tsakani Shihlomule, Thembalami’s occupational therapist, noted, “This initiative was our way of giving back to the community and reconnecting with the gogos who remain close to our hearts.”
The event ended with warm conversations over tea and scones.
Housemother Jane Mogwale and Thembalami resident Jo-Ann Weyerman-Noble make bibs for the Sithandiwe Disabled Care Centre, as part of Thembalami’s outreach initiative.
The Zamokuhle gogos with Thembalami and MODA staff members.
Shirley Sibeko plays games with residents and gogos.
Thembalami manager Esme van der Walt with Victoria Smith, the oldest and longest serving member of the Zamokuhle Service Centre.
Nursing services manager Paulina Namo (centre) with Mary Makhene and Nelly Maleba.
Jenny Fraser, the daughter of Thembalami Care Centre resident Doreen Calder (99), donated the wool for the centre’s Mandela Day initiative.
