Caring for and supporting the elderly

To celebrate Nelson Mandela Day, the Civic Engagement Unit, CPUT Libraries, the Marketing and Communication Department, and the Faculty of Applied Sciences spent the day at FG Lowe Village in Hanover Park, caring for and supporting the elderly in an old-age home.

The CPUT Mandela Day team included the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Centre for Community Engagement and Work Integrated Learning, Community Engagement Student Academy Alumni, CPUT Reading Champions: Faculty of Applied Sciences, supported by the Gift of the Givers, City Park seniors and the South African Police Services. Before the event, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor called on staff and students to help them celebrate the legacy of Tata Mandela by donating books and non-perishable items. “Donating new/pre-owned books and reading materials of all genres contributes to the educational enrichment of our communities. Reusing pre-owned reading materials is also environmentally responsible as it minimises waste,” noted Jacqueline Scheepers, Manager: Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Unit.

The donated materials were also handed over to the FG Lowe Village staff by Scheepers, the Gift of the Givers, staff members and student volunteers.

Shanaaz Bailey from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor also shared her experience during the CPUT Mandela Day celebrations at FG Lowe Village. “We shared a truly heartwarming and memorable day with the elderly members of our community. Through storytelling, laughter, music, singing, and dancing, we celebrated the spirit of community and Ubuntu while creating meaningful moments of joy, connection, and companionship with our senior citizens. The experience highlighted the value of compassion, dignity, and human connection, reminding us of the positive impact of kindness, respect, and togetherness in enriching the lives of others.”

Dr Regina Sikhosana from CPUT Libraries said the senior citizens are the custodians of knowledge, wisdom, and experience. “They have nurtured families, built communities, and contributed to the development of our nation. The freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today are, in many ways, a result of their sacrifices and hard work. Yet, many older persons face challenges such as loneliness, social isolation, health difficulties, and limited access to resources and support.”

Sikhosana continued: “It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we commemorate Nelson Mandela Day, a day that reminds us of the values of

compassion, service, dignity, and social justice that Madiba dedicated his life to promoting.”

She reminded the guests that caring for older persons is not only a responsibility but a privilege. “Let us continue to advocate for their well-being, dignity, and inclusion long after Mandela Day has passed.”

Scheepers expressed that “we are all part of the human family and as such must treat each other with love, care and kindness. The generosity of spirit displayed by all present, including the CPUT staff and students and organisations who donated, is evidence of Ubuntu in action!”

The event featured an assortment of activities such as a poetry readings, games, musical interpretation, art activities, dance, and competitions which were planned and led by CPUT students.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za