Organised, active grannies cook for hungry kids
Senior citizens in Mdanstane who rallied together 14 years ago to start a non-profit organisation, Sibambisene Mama’s Club, are going strong.
Even during the lockdown, the women cooked for orphanages supported by the department of social development.
“We received groceries from the National Lottery Commission and we cooked for children who are in orphanages. We also bought a gas stove for one of the children’s homes,” said founder Nontsikelelo Tom.
The club of 33 women create hand-crafted items and play sport together.
Established in September 2006, the organisation had a vision of helping vulnerable elderly women who are abused in their communities by loan sharks and their grandchildren who misuse their pensions.
Tom said the members, aged from 60 years to 85, gather at the community centre at NU2 where pre-Covid they would do beadwork, knitting, crocheting and gardening.
“For sport, we would go to the nearest sport field, Orlando Stadium, where some of the women practise for the annual Golden Games that are hosted by the department of sport recreation, arts and culture (Dsrac).
“We have united the elderly in our community and they are now aware of their rights. They are living healthy independent lives. We have a caregiver who visits and accompanies the frail and sickly to local clinics for their regular check-ups.”
Tom said: “The mission of the organisation is to protect the old from abuse, to build trust among community members, to assist the old and give them necessary support.”
She said the women were doing well at sporting events. Nomasomi Rete, 70, and Nonceba Goduka, 64, had won gold medals at the Golden Games.
She said some women kept fit by jogging within the radius of their homes. Dorothy Nabe, a fast runner, said she often joined young joggers.
“Our ultimate goal was to participate in the National
Golden Games in Cape Town this year, but due to Covid-19, it was postponed. But we keep active regardless,” said Nabe.
Nofinish Mkabe, 85, is asthmatic but still participates in sport. “I play a game called goalshooting, where I use a hockey stick and hit the ball between two small beacons. It helps me to make my bones and immune system stronger,” she said.
The organisation maintains the centre through donations and sales of the beadwork. “Some of us use our pension money to buy groceries for those who are in need, and also when we travel to the sport games. We would like to thank the National Lottery Commission for financially assisting us, as it is making a huge difference in the community.” Tom said.
Anyone willing to donate can contact Tom on 073-840-3917.