Ikhaya Labantu Old Age Home in Langa celebrated 10 years of existence on Saturday 4 March.
The home, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), accommodates elderly, frail and vulnerable residents from Langa and the surrounding communities. It is home to 34 residents.
The centre manager Tinotenda Mhungu described the celebration as a special day for the residents as it coincided with Langa’s centenary celebrations.
“Our aim is to ensure that our residents are happy and protected,” he said.
Mhungu said they work with the department of social development.
“Some are from Langa, while others come from different areas within the province. Most of them are referred to the centre by the City’s Department of Social Service, while others are brought here by their families,” he said.
Mhungu stated that the majority of people were above 60 years of age.
“According to the centre’s rules, it is supposed to accommodate people who are above 60 years old only, but due to some reasons we were forced to accommodate at least four residents who are below 60 years,” he explained.
Elaborating on the background of the centre, Mhungu said it was established in March 1986.
“It was started in 1986 as an Eyabantu crèche till mid-1992. Then in 1992, a soup kitchen was added and they operated both (educare and soup kitchen) till 2001. And in mid 2001, Ikhaya Labantu added a homeless shelter to accommodate mostly foreign people. In 2013, Ikhaya added a frail care facility and senior club. That is what we are celebrating this year,” explained Mhungu.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Linda Bobotyane (63) described the facility as a home away from home. She described the residents and employees of the facility as friendly people.
“I arrived here in 2019 from Gugulethu. I was welcomed with warm hands by everyone. We are all one family,” she said.
Bobotyane urged families to take note of old age homes.
“I’ll recommend people to take their parents into old age homes for accommodation instead of locking them indoors. We are free here. We do whatever we want. We exercise and do a lot of other activities,” she explained.
