GEORGE NEWS - In line with Madiba’s call on all people to give 67 minutes of their own time to those in need, the Community Corrections office of Correctional Services in the Southern Cape not only spent 67 minutes with the elderly, but launched a poverty alleviation project at the Masizakhe Service Centre for the elderly in Thembalethu.

Situated in one of Community Corrections’ service areas, the members could not help but notice that the condition of the service centre needed just as much tender love and care as the elderly housed by the centre.

With the support of businesses such as PPC Cement, Builders Express and PG Glass the project was set in motion to paint the whole building, replace all broken windows and put in new glass where frames were built in while Life Community undertook to supply them with milk and yogurt.

On 18 July, the elderly together with representatives from other go-vernment departments, non-government organisations and community based organisations were treated to an early tea and muffins. This was followed by a cooked meal while a motivational speaker and other speakers addressed the guests on issues such as the purpose of Mandela Day, nutrition and abuse of the elderly.

The department of health also contributed by means of testing the elderly and other guests for high blood pressure and sugar levels.

The elderly enjoyed the excitement and attention and everybody sang along ‘Min’emnandi kuwe" (happy birthday) to Madiba while each one received a cupcake with a lit candle to share the day with the father of the nation.

As part of the ongoing project of Community Corrections, plans are being made to re-upholster existing furniture, replace the curtains, tile the kitchen, put in ceilings, lay a carpet in the lounge, pave the driveway etc.

Although many other businesses have promised to support the project in terms of material for the reno-vations, donations of couches, easy chairs, curtains, carpets and other household items, especially cutlery and crockery are needed to improve the conditions of the elderly at Masizakhe Care Centre.

Any person interested in donating any of the items can contact Mrs Wilma Davids at 044 802 7451 or Mr Johan Pienaar at 044 802 7458 during office hours.


Mrs Greta Gericke (sitting left) turning 93 years shortly, is the chairperson of the Masizakhe Care Centre. Standing next to her is Mrs Mafuya from Community Corrections.


Inmates busy painting the roof of the Masizakhe Care Centre for the elderly in Thembalethu.


Representatives from the different departments, NGO’s, community based organisations and members who attended the launch of the project. Squatting in front far left is the Head of Community Corrections, ms Gloria Morgan with John and Barry from PPC Cement (far right) - one of the sponsors.