As South Africans marked a watershed moment in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) – with government officially declaring GBV and femicide a national disaster and Women for Change leading a nationwide shutdown – staff and residents at Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association gathered for a powerful, deeply personal awareness programme of their own.
Held on Friday, November 21, at the centre’s recreation hall, the session brought together employees and residents for an interactive discussion led by occupational therapist Tsakani Shihlomule. Her talk unpacked the different types of abuse, highlighted the vulnerability of older persons, and equipped attendees with tools to recognise red flags in their own environment.
Shihlomule emphasised the importance of watching for signs such as:
• unexplained injuries or frequent ‘accidents’,
• sudden withdrawal or changes in behaviour, and
• fearfulness or anxiety, around a particular caregiver or individual.
The session was marked by strong engagement, with staff actively participating, asking questions and reflecting on their own experiences. A sharing circle created space for those who felt comfortable to speak about incidents they had witnessed or lived through – conversations that, according to participants, are long overdue.
“Many staff members said they wished the session could have been longer,” Shihlomule noted. “They asked for more regular discussions because they are needed, and because this one was such an eye-opener.”
