Jubilation and song filled the air at Seochoareng Old Age Village after the South African Army handed over the newly renovated home to its elderly residents.
JUBILATION and song filled the air at Seochoareng Old Age Village after the South African Army handed over the newly renovated home to its elderly residents.
The old age home received a major facelift after the army embarked on a renovation project after witnessing the dilapidated state of the home.
Members from the army renovated the 17 houses, comprising of three units, which are equipped with a living room, bedroom and bathroom, by painting the outside and inside of the units, fixing the floors and the roof and equipping the bathrooms with working hand basins, toilets and showers.
The army members said they decided to reach out to the home with the assistance of various sponsors in a bid to honour the elderly living there.
Lieutenant-General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, who hails from Galeshewe, said the project aimed to restore the dignity of the residents.
“Since I took up the challenge of occupying the highest office in the landward forces, we have managed to bring a new chapter in the lives of many members of the SA Army and took the army to greater heights as we embarked on a journey of restoring it to its rightful glory,” said Mbatha.
“As part of our community outreach project, our deepest desire was to do something that will affirm the dignity of our senior citizens here in Seochoareng elderly home, after their plight was detailed to us when we were here to do our reconnaissance earlier this year.
“Together, we have gone to any respectable length to change the conditions of the elderly, as the conditions were appalling and inhabitable and this had become something of a thorn in the side of the senior citizens of this complex.”
Mbatha paid special tribute to one of the residents, 99-year William Peter van Wyk, who is one of the oldest World War II veterans.
He said they were not able to turn a blind eye to the conditions the elderly people were previously facing.
“The seniors found themselves in a precarious situation and this was caused by a combination of factors. The buildings were in a dilapidated state. The roofs were leaking and the ablution facilities were hardly usable. Things were getting worse at an incredible rate. Their situation had reached unconscionable proportions and we treasured that fact together with our partners in this project who dig deep in their pockets to make a meaningful difference, and this has undoubtedly lived up to prior expectations. The SA Army resolved to utilise its internal capacity of bricklayers, plumbers, electricians and carpenters who undoubtedly have an intense passion and drive for social upliftment.”
Major-General Renè Mercuur pointed out that the Diamond City also gained a financial and economic boost through the project
“It was decided during a golf event last year that the proceeds of that event would go towards this project. All material that was used during this project was bought locally. Local businesses benefited tremendously as we injected finances into them. We also had hundreds of members who made their way to Kimberley to form part of the career exhibition which is taking place at AR Abass Stadium. Local guest houses also benefited from this as many bookings had to be made at local accommodation sites. This project was not just beneficial to the beneficiaries of the old age village, but had a ripple effect which was beneficial to everyone,” said Mercuur.
A member of the non-profit organisation (NPO) of the Seochaoreng Assisted Living Centre, Stephen Mabika, said they are elated about the renovation.
“The old people staying at these residences can now live in comfort. The army truly put their heart into this project. We hope that the members of the army will return as this project forms part of the legacy they left in the city,” said Mbatha.
Sol Plaatje executive mayor Kagisho Sonyoni promised that the municipality will ensure that the village remains in its peak condition.
“The pride of our elderly people had been restored through the generosity of the army. We have to always plough back to the elderly residents as they are our mothers and fathers. This area has a caretaker, but we as a municipality will ensure that this area remains clean. We will ensure that the refuse removal takes place and that the residents have access to basic services,” Sonyoni vowed.
The residents of the village ululated and said they can now stay in safe and well-maintained units.
“We do not have the words to express our gratitude for this wonderful gesture. There are very few citizens who still care about the well-being of old people. We are seen as living on limited time, hence some people believe we do not require much from life. We are forever grateful that we can now live in conditions that are not just beautiful, but also comfortable and safe,” they said.
