Two Rand Aid social workers, Thuli Ngoma and Michelle Matsolo, have marked a significant academic and professional milestone after graduating with master’s degrees in social work from the University of Pretoria.
Their achievement not only celebrates years of dedication to the profession, but also signals a deeper strengthening of psychosocial care within Rand Aid’s retirement villages. For both social workers, their graduation on May 29 represents more than academic success – it is a personal journey shaped by lived experience and a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of older adults.
Focusing on early intervention
“Completing my master’s degree has enhanced my knowledge, critical thinking and research skills, enabling me to approach practice with greater confidence and a deeper understanding of the complex challenges faced by individuals, families and communities,” says Thuli, adding that her studies reinforced her ability to advocate for residents while supporting their independence and dignity.
Appointed as Elphin Lodge’s social worker in January, Thuli says her focus is on recognising early signs of emotional distress among residents – including withdrawal, changes in appetite or sleep and expressions of loneliness – and responding with timely, compassionate intervention.
A person-centred approach, she explained, remains central to her work. “It involves encouraging residents to participate in decisions about their care, supporting them to remain as independent as possible, and providing assistance only when necessary.”
Before joining Elphin Lodge, Thuli spent seven years as a social worker at a step-down clinical facility, where she focused on discharge planning and home-based care. Reflecting on her transition from that fast-paced clinical environment to a retirement village, she says the change has allowed her to build deeper relationships over time. “Working within a retirement village provides more time and flexibility, allowing for stronger rapport building with residents and a more in-depth application of social work skills over a longer period.
A family legacy of care
For Michelle, who has been Inyoni Creek’s social worker since September 2024, the graduation represents the fulfilment of a lifelong dream rooted in a family legacy of care and compassion.
“My interest in healthcare and caring for others spans three generations,” she says. She reflects on how her understanding of care was shaped early on by her grandmother’s role during the HIV/Aids epidemic, which inspired a family path into nursing and social care.
At Inyoni Creek, Michelle focuses on translating academic knowledge into practical empowerment for older adults, particularly around ageing, well-being and dispelling fear around conditions such as dementia.
“One of the most common questions I am asked is, ‘Will I get dementia?’” she says. “Rather than focusing on what residents might lose as they age, I help them understand what they can do to support their own health and well-being.”
Michelle emphasises that healthy ageing is influenced by lifestyle, social connection, physical activity and mental stimulation – insights she now integrates into daily conversations with residents to promote confidence rather than fear.
She stresses the importance of walking alongside residents through the full ageing journey. “What I love about my work is that I am able to walk alongside residents through many stages – from adapting to changes that come with ageing, to reflecting on life experiences, and supporting residents and families through end-of-life care.”
