Remarkable upliftment project by Clover
Dairy company, Clover, has made a huge difference in the lives of about 30 ill and elderly people by upgrading an informal care facility in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay.
The company's social responsibility programme, Clover Mama Afrika, is the most lauded and awarded one in South Africa, having even received accolades from overseas.
Clover spent half a million rands upgrading the informal care facility, which consists of a home and a structure alongside it.
Pillar of the KwaNonqaba community, Maggie Nguta (64), has spent almost 20 years caring for people. Beloved Maggie is known to most locals by her first name.
Most of those she cares for are brought to her home in Gentswana Drive from Mossel Bay Provincial Hospital and most of them are bed-ridden, use wheelchairs and have to wear diapers.
Some do not even have a tongue, as it was cut out during a fight.
State of need
It is extremely hard for Maggie to turn people away when they are brought to her in a desperate state of need.
Her mother, now deceased, used to care for needy people such as these. Maggie sees something special in each of her patients.
Professor Elain Vlok, manager: Clover Mama Afrika, says: "When Maggie's patients look at her, it is as of there is a light going on, as if they are looking at an angel. That is what she is to them - an angel."
Clover chief executive Johann Vorster said: "When we found out how tough things were for these elderly folk and ill patients in the cold winter, with not enough shelter, bedding and toiletries, it shocked us and struck us how such hardship often goes unnoticed. That’s why we decided to help. The incredible dedication and compassion of Maggie, despite all the challenges, showcasing just how selfless one person can be, motivated us to join in and assist."
Prof Vlok describes her first visit to
Maggie: "There were no lights in the house. Most of the ceilings were gone.
In the lounge where Maggie received me, was a primus stove with a pot, containing soup to feed all of those in her care that night.
"There were 15 men on worn-out beds in a corrugated iron room, and 16 women in a rented house, next to Maggie's house. There were not enough blankets for everyone."
Prof Vlok continues: "I left Maggie's house feeling rattled and miserable. I was not able to sleep, my mind racing with thoughts on how I could help her."
Amazingly fast
Prof Vlok's first meeting with Maggie was on 4 July. The upgrade was done amazingly fast in three months.
Builder, Carel Labuschagne, whom the professor describes as an "angel", did the following:
Rubberising of the roof
Replaced the wooden beams
Added ceilings
Painted all ceilings
Cemented the floor to be of even height Made a proper ramp for the wheelchairs Varnished the old outside wooden doors Painted the iron security gates
Carel found an electrician, who:
Made the electrical wiring safe (the wiring was hazardous and unsafe)
Added proper electrical wires Added new lights and switches
Clover employee Theuns Reinecke helped: With the rubberising material
All paint brushes and rollers
All paint pans
Proper paint
Clover supplied the following for those in Maggie's care: wooden bed base; mattress; mattress protector; fitted sheet; flat sheet; duvet in a duvet cover; pillow in a pillow case; brand new, soft, warm blankets; bath towel; face cloth; cake of soap; toothbrush; and toothpaste.