Picture: North West MECs donate R3m to Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes Home for the Aged/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi gave a much-needed financial injection amounting to R3m to a Wolmaranstad-based home for the aged to enable it to continue to offer residential and therapeutic care to the elderly, Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes. Mokgosi said this was in a move to support frail and semi-frail elderly people.
“Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes was established in 1979 to provide residential care to elderly people who are 60 and above and have limitations in self-care capacity and require continuous care and therapeutic services. Currently, the facility has accommodated 92 older persons from Maquassi Hills and neighbouring areas in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
“During the third leg of Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery campaign in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, we donated a symbolic cheque to Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes,” he said.
Mokgosi further said, at the time, elderly people from Tswelelang, Makwassi and other areas within the jurisdiction of Maquassi Hills, gathered at the local sports ground for their annual golden games.
“Our appeal is that NPOs should use government money for its intended purpose. We call on the management of this home for the aged to do just that. This money is subject to relevant legislation and make sure that you comply with NPO Act.
“Since the Thuntsa Lerole campaign, we have already donated symbolic cheques to registered NPOs in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts. The masses need services more than ever before, especially post-COVID-19 pandemic, which affected many sectors of society,” added Mokgosi.
He said his department is determined to implement meticulous service delivery plans at a brisker pace to address the challenges that communities face.
Meanwhile, the Wolmaranstad Tehuis vir Bejaardes Manager, Brand Pretorius described the authorities’ gesture as a surprise and honour to his organisation. Pretorius said they have received financial assistance from the Department of Social Development over the years of his reign.
“What is more humbling is that, the symbolic cheque is being handed over to us by the MECs. We feel so honoured and will make sure we use this money carefully and make sure that, it benefits the right people.
“Our organisation depends squarely on social development for funding and other means such as fundraising and marketing of their services to potential donors,” he said.
The Guardian 