TB HIV Care staff from head office and Khayelitsha spent Mandela Day in Khayelitsha. Some teams spent 67 minutes (and more!) painting house numbers in Harare. A lack of visible street numbers is a huge problem in Khayelitsha, as emergency services (paramedics, ambulances, police etc.) struggle to find addresses in emergency situations. TB HIV Care identified certain areas in and around Harare and spent time with residents painting much-needed house numbers.
This will also help community health workers (CHWs) and social workers who need to trace, and visit, clients at home.
In addition to ‘painting numbers’, a team from TB HIV Care assisted in a mini re-furb of the Khayelitsha Youth Hub (a youth-friendly clinic) in Site B. This included painting the exterior and interiors walls of the clinic (and a fabulous mural).
Thabang Machona (Data Monitor) captured the meaning behind the day beautifully:
“We had a fun-filled day interacting with the people of Khayelitsha, and giving our day to the theme and vision of Nelson Mandela. The selfless efforts of the team were evident in the smiles that came with each activity. It is safe to say that the long walk will continue within the hearts of our team and the community.”
Bongani George (General Worker) felt that the efforts of the day made such an impact and should continue beyond Mandela Day:
“The people out there need our support. We need to do activities like this more regularly so that the communities can get to know us and what we are all about.”
TB HIV Care’s social work team worked hard to mark Mandela Day. They hosted a health and wellness day (which focused on HIV and TB education) at our Khayelitsha office in Harare, and collaborated with Old Mutual to distribute food parcels to clients in need. Many thanks to Old Mutual, Mavis Nonkunzi and our Khayelitsha social work team!
TB HIV Care teams around the country also got in on the action. Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations were held at Umvezo in the KSD Municipality. Distinguished guests were present, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Eastern Cape Premier and former presidents of South Africa.
TB HIV Care was represented by three KSD teams, who provided HTS and health education on the day.
In Cape Town, Hlengiwe Khoza (Quality Assurance Coordinator), Kaylin Scheepers (Compliance Officer) and Chenghuan Deng (Management Accountant) volunteered at Yumcious in the Cape Quarter for their 67 minutes – making bread for the homeless.
Thanks so much to all involved. It was a fantastic day.
