By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – While many families are too busy to help, a group of young people in Monontsha is restoring dignity to the elderly and people living with disabilities — one home at a time.
The home-based care group cooks meals, bathes residents, buys groceries, and collects medication from clinics for those who can no longer do it themselves.
Speaking at a thanksgiving lunch on Friday, 29 August, Mamokiti Simela (60), who lives alone with a disability, broke down in gratitude.“They have been assisting me since they came to my household, helping me with the things I cannot do.
“Some of our families assist us, but not all of us receive help. What you are doing is great for our community,” Simela said. Melda Kumako (72) said the impact has been life-changing.
“It means a lot to have young people taking care of us elderly people of Monontsha. May God bless them,” she said.
The initiative was started by Itumeleng Khatlake (30), who said the goal was simple: honour the elderly because “one day we hope to reach their age.”
“I saw it fit to assist the elderly in QwaQwa. I urge young people to come to your homes and assist you,” Khatlake said.
For Tshepiso Mofokeng (29)the work is personal.
“I enjoy assisting with bathing, buying groceries and collecting medication when it runs out. The people we enter are warm and appreciate our help,” she said.
The group says many elderly and disabled residents are forgotten by their own families and left to struggle alone.
Their work goes beyond chores. They provide company, dignity, and the message that no one should grow old or live with a disability in isolation.
“I pray to God that He blesses you elderly people with more life,” Khatlake told residents.
The thanksgiving lunch was held to honour both the caregivers and the residents they serve.
