College of Human Sciences
Unisans commemorate Mandela Day with the elderly
In honouring the call of Unisa to shape futures in the service of humanity, Unisans from the College of Human Sciences (CHS), through the Engaged Scholarship Project of the Department of Health Studies, visited A re Aganeng Old Age Home to commemorate Mandela Day on 18 July 2024 with the elderly, in the spirit of 67 Minutes for Mandela.
The CHS team presenting their donations
The CHS team consisted of Prof Kefiloe Maboe, Prof Debbie Habedi, Dr Lorrain Nkoane, Dr Kelebogile Olyn and Dr Thinavhuyo Netangaheni, all from the Department of Health Studies, and Prof Gretchen du Plessis from the Department of Development Studies, as well as Katlego Pilane from the Department of Psychology.
Prof Mothibeli Pita, a senior lecturer in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), brought a team as part of the Unisa delegation from the Department of Mechanical, Bioresources and Biomedical Engineering. Dr Lebohang Bidla, the CHS Mentorship Programme Manager and a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Sciences, joined the delegation with her mentees, as part of the exposure they are gaining under the mentorship programme. The event was also supported by representatives of the Bakgatlha ba ga Mosetlha Tribal Office and representatives from the Moretele Local Municipality.
The theme for Nelson Mandela International Day suggests that "Go lwantsha botlhoki le go se lekane go mo diatleng tsa rona" ("Combating poverty and inequality is in our hands"). Habedi and Nkoane shared this message with the Director of the Home, Jarita Mabula, the caregivers, nurses, social worker, elderly residents and all other attendees. Under a lime green canopy, and amidst joyful singing and celebration, the three Unisa teams handed over donations to the elderly.
The Ageing Index measures the number of people aged 60 years and older per 100 individuals younger than 15 years in a population. This index has increased for South Africa from 30 in 2017 to 33 in 2022. This means that the numbers of older people are increasing. The pioneers and team behind this particular Engaged Scholarship Project have long recognised the elderly to be a specifically vulnerable group and, as such, cultivated a relationship with this community in Makapanstad.
The CSET team presenting the walkers
Shaping futures implies valuing those who have gone before. Because of them (our previous generations), we are. As the future belongs to the young and the innovative, let us celebrate our elderly who paved the way. Sharing time, resources and essentials such as a washing machine, groceries, two walkers (engineered fully by Unisa’s Work-Integrated Learning [WIL] students from CSET) and other necessities, was just a small part of the endeavour to combat poverty, deprivation and social exclusion among the elderly. The engagement vividly demonstrated the need for engaged scholarship to focus on the material and psycho-social needs of our elderly.
The Unisa delegation receiving letters of appreciation from Jarita Mabula
To conclude, Mabula handed over letters of appreciation to the Dean of CHS, Prof Zethu Nkosi, the Deputy Dean of CHS, Prof Thinandavha Mashau, as well as to representatives from CSET and all other teams present for their support and contribution.
* Submitted by Prof Debbie Habedi on behalf of the CA6000 Engaged Scholarship Project Team
Publish date: 2024/07/26
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