Donations made to communities badly affected by Covid-19 in South Africa are making a huge difference to those who are less privileged. The Itlhokomeleng Association for the Aged and Disabled in Alexandra has received food parcels and protective masks courtesy of the organisers of the BrightRock Battle of the Sports endurance challenge. The challenge is raising funds and awareness to support vulnerable groups and communities in SA affected by Covid-19.
The parcels and masks were delivered by staff members from Right to Care, the Covid-19-orientated NGO has supported old-age homes and older people across SA. Precious Robinson, Right to Care chief technical specialist for preventative care and treatment, said SA’s elderly people, as the group with the highest level of co-morbidities and weakest immune systems, had to be prioritised. “We have provided support to over 3,000 aged people in care facilities already, with plans to scale up,” she said.
BrightRock founder, Sean Hanlon said: “We are so proud to be able to make a contribution, particularly to a home-like Itlhokomeleng, which cares for the most vulnerable in Alexandra. The BrightRock Battle of the Sports challenge is a fitting way to emphasise the teamwork, passion, endurance and commitment, as well as the mental, emotional, and physical fortitude, to create positive change for the most vulnerable in our community.”
The Itlhokomeleng association was founded in 1978 by Dr Marjorie Manganye, who at 89 is known as the “Mother Teresa of Alex”, and a group of concerned women to help the aged and needy in Alexandra. The home also admits disabled people and feeds about 180 people in the community. In 2017, the University of the Witwatersrand, the old woman received an honorary doctorate for her lifelong dedication to the ill, frail and elderly.
SA Former Soccer player, Matthew Booth joined the handover to speak about his personal experiences in the 200km Battle of the Sports race against time at the arid Verneukpan in the Northern Cape. “Seeing the strength of Manganye and the amazing work she is doing makes our whole challenge so worthwhile,” he said.
