The Association for the Aged (Tafta) opened its doors to several small and large corporates, individuals, retail businesses and families who wished to serve their 67 Mandela minutes at Tafta homes this Mandela Day.
“On this Mandela Day, we’ve witnessed the most significant outpouring of support from individuals and companies in the Durban area. We are extremely grateful to those who’ve stepped forward to serve our elders and the levels of generosity expressed. We only hope that this introduction to our work spurs on many to continue serving the elders in the name of the iconic Madiba,” said Tafta CEO Femada Shamam.
To commemorate their gratitude towards loyal business supporters, the association also handed over certificates of appreciation to Tafta supporters the Minara Chamber and Sparksport group of pharmacies for their ongoing support of Tafta’s work. Sparksport group director Mr Solly Suleman said his organisation believed in the work Tafta did to support elders: “The reality is, elders are often a neglected part of our community and as an organisation, together either Islamic Medical Association, we are focused on how we can support them – not merely through our health and nutrition initiatives, but beyond that, and into a future where we create a safer community for all of our elders with partners like Tafta.”
In Wentworth, Shell pledged to hand out hampers to elders and paint three of the rooms at Tafta’s John Dunn House. Said Caroline Peters of Shell: “On behalf of Shell, we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for affording us the opportunity to spend our Madiba Day with the lovely people of Tafta. Meeting the men and women residing here has essentially raised our awareness of the additional care and efforts required to maintain the operations of the establishment. We will definitely visit again to volunteer and assist where we can.”
Tafta homes were lucky enough to be graced by a younger component of givers too, with Halo Media serving tea and treats to elders at Cambridge Gardens, the little ones of Ouma’s Day care singing joyful renditions of incy wincy spider to elders at Tafta Park in Bellair and Cuba Lounge running a donation drive to support Tafta’s Granny’s Attic Charity store. Said Marketing Manager Kapil Premchand of the campaign: “This Mandela Day the Cuba Lounge Group has chosen to work alongside the social conscious Tafta Group in an attempt to raise support across its 5 branches, Cuba Lounge admires the work of Tafta and hopes that Granny’s Attic Charity Shop can benefit from this awareness around this campaign.”
The day wrapped up with a party in Madiba’s honour with all the July birthday ‘girls’ of Tafta’s Lucas Gardens hosting a joint birthday party. They spent the afternoon decorating African themed hats.
Tafta homes remain open for the entire month of July to those who may have missed their opportunity to serve this Mandela Day. If you would like to participate in any of Tafta’s Mandela Month initiatives, contact Pranisha Beharie on 031 332 3721 or email her on pranisha@tafta.org.za.
For further information, and wish lists/ activities at our various residences are available on our website at www.tafta.org.za.