Wits honours Angel of Alex
Old age home also caters for frail people
Marjorie Manganye’s energy is fuelled by the love she gets from the elderly people of Itlhokomeleng Old Age Home in Alexandra, Johannesburg.
Manganye, 86, was yesterday the recipient of an honorary doctorate in literature from Wits University.
She has collected many accolades in the past, including making a cut as a finalist in the Sowetan Nation Builder of the Year in 1988.
“I am very blessed to be awarded with an honorary doctorate in literature,” said Manganye. “This means a lot for me as I never went to university because my mother passed away when I was in Grade 10.”
Manganye runs around her old age home taking care of the elderly and making sure everything is in order.
Known as the “Mother Teresa of Alexandra”, she has for the past 40 years devoted her life to serving poor people, the elderly and those neglected by their families.
She started Itlhokomeleng Association for the Aged and Disabled persons in 1978 with five [other] women.
Today she employs 64 people, including professional nurses, social workers and caregivers who look after 86 elderly and disabled people.
“At my age, sometimes it’s hard coming to work.
“However, when I get here at 7.30am, the love I get from these people gives me enough energy. Immediately when they see me, they tell me stories of what had happened.
“For instance, one would say ‘Mama yesterday this one pinched me; Mama this one took my hat’. The love and trust I get from them is truly amazing,” she said.
At Itlhokomeleng, Manganye enables the frail and sickly to have access to medical care and sanitation.
There is also a home-based care service for those staying with their relatives.
She inherited the love for people from her parents.
Justinah Murumbi, 83, who has been at the home for 15 years, sang Manganye’s praises. “She is an angel who has been sent by God to look after the elderly and people of Alexandra. Mama Marj has broad shoulders for everyone to cry on,” Murumbi said.
“She is a ray of sunshine bringing hope to many people who have given up on life because of the treatment they get at home.”