Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) brought residents, families and members of the deaf community together for a heartwarming Family Day on May 9, creating what organisers described as a powerful moment of connection.
The main dining hall was filled with laughter, conversation and the expressive movement of sign language.
Alongside the usual favourites of tea and cake, hamburgers and chips were on sale, adding to the relaxed atmosphere that encouraged people to linger.
What made the day particularly significant was the strong turnout from deaf visitors in the surrounding community, who came specifically to spend time with deaf residents at MODA.
According to deputy manager Elize Raath, this marked a first for the event and left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
“Our care centre felt more connected than ever. The visit from the deaf community brought a beautiful vitality to the home, offering our deaf residents a cultural link and giving our hearing residents a front-row seat to the richness of sign language and community spirit,” she says.
The event was supported by the Maboea family, who donated R700.
Organisers say the success of the gathering lay not only in the turnout, but in the sense of belonging it fostered.
