By Karabo Siyoko
Pictures by Rebaone Prophy
Thanks to generous funders, the Seochoareng Elderly Home in Galeshewe got the much-needed facelift. Children of the soil, Chief Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha from the SA Army and Sol Plaatjie Municipality Mayor, Kagisho Sonyoni, handed over the newly refurbished center, which consists of 17 units, to the senior citizens.
The prestigious event took place on 13 October. Community members and dignitaries from various sectors came to witness this life-changing moment. Another honourable guest was 99years old World War 2 Veteran William Van Wyk.
This noble act was made possible through a combined effort by fifteen organisations, including the South African Army, individual members from the Army, private donors, Sol Plaatje Municipality, Dri-Way technologies, SA army foundation, Mekan Engineering services and Abram Mashego construction. To express gratitude, Lieutenant Mbatha handed out Certificates of Appreciation to all participants.
Each unit comprise of a living room/kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. The constructors built an enclosed wall around the home to protect it from vandalism.
In May 2022, a team of SA Army Engineers with various specialised skills ranging from Bricklaying, Carpentry, Electrical Engineering and Plumbing started working meticulously hard to improve living conditions of the elderly.
The project emanates from the Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant Mbatha, a beneficiary of proceeds derived from the Annual Golf
Day held in Pretoria earlier this year. Mbatha chose the Seochoareng Old Age Home as the recipient of this goodwill gesture.
In true African style, guests could hear sounds of ululation from a distance. A gospel Choir from Bloemfontein and a Band from the Army provided uplifting music. The audience sang along to some popular tunes, indeed it was a day to be remembered.
An ecstatic Gladness Sesoane, a resident from the Old Age Home, said, “We thank God for remembering us. These
improvements will change the quality of our lives, the place used to be dull, but now it is bright and beautiful.”
To contribute towards saving the planet and providing shade in the center, each donor planted a tree. In his remarks, Sol Plaatje Municipality Mayor emphasised the importance of caring for older people. He further promised to visit
the home regularly to ensure that the place is kept clean and all service delivery challenges are resolved. Major General Rene Mercur highlighted the economic spin-off from this project. Service providers within Kimberly provided every material needed for this project. The event also attracted many guests from other cities who use the hospitality facilities such as hotels and guesthouses, Mercur also mentioned that the opening coincided with the South African Army Career Expo at AR Abbas Stadium.
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