Latest news with #ThembalamiCareCentre


The Citizen
6 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Thembalami welcomes back elderly gogos for Mandela Month celebration
In the spirit of Mandela Month, Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association (MODA) warmly welcomed back a group of cherished older women from Alexandra, affectionately known as the 'gogos'. These women were previously part of Thembalami's Zamokuhle outreach programme. Although the 14-year-long Zamokuhle programme ended in June 2023 due to budget cuts by the Department of Social Development, the bond between Thembalami and the gogos remains strong. ALSO READ: St Benedict's learners serve thousands for Mandela Month The reunion, held on 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 filled with joyful activities. The programme included light exercises, singing, and a creative session making pom-pom dolls. The handmade dolls, along with bibs 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. ALSO READ: Volunteers uplift community at Impilo's Mandela Day event Tsakani Shihlomule, Thembalami's occupational therapist, said, 'This initiative was our way of giving back to the community and reconnecting with the gogos who remain close to our hearts.' The event concluded with warm conversations over tea and scones.


The Citizen
6 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Mandela Day kindness: Tarentaal seniors gifted blankets by Stoneridge Centre
Tarentaal Retirement Village residents had their bodies and hearts warmed this Mandela Day when Stoneridge Centre arrived with 100 blankets. The game of Bingo that was happening in the Tarentaal hall was happily halted when the centre arrived to drop off the blankets on July 18. ALSO READ: Volunteers uplift community at Impilo's Mandela Day event Nearby Thembalami Care Centre and the Max Ordman Deaf Association also received gift of blankets.