His birthday wish for yesterday, 12 July 2012, is to deliver at least 10 wheel chairs for the aged at Lapa la Botlhe Old Age Home in Lonely Park near Mahikeng. Instead of a fancy birthday celebration at a secluded place with only few people forming part of the celebration, North West MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, China Dodovu chose to do it in a quite different style by sharing his birthday cake with 73 elderly people at Lapa la Botlhe who in return, sang him a birthday song.
On arrival, MEC Dodovu was deeply touched by the living condition at the centre which houses at least 73 people. “One of them is unable to stand and walk properly, uses both his hands and feet to walk and this really saddened me hence the decision to arrange that they be provided wheelchairs. It’s important that we the younger generation do not forget about our elders because they have shaped our future in different ways and continues to add value and meaning to our lives” said MEC Dodovu.
He committed to engage MEC for Social Development, Children, Women and Persons with Disabilities Mosetsanagape Mokomela-Mothibi about the situation, in an effort to intervene and support the centre with funding, enhancing their programmes and addressing other needs.
Lapa la Botlhe Old Age Home is subsidised by government and in other instances by private bodies, houses older persons over the age of 60 whom most are from areas around Mahikeng and neighboring towns, were abounded, neglected and some even abused by their families and relatives. The founder and Managing Director of the institution Susan Mothibi said the center has a number of challenges which hinder its effective functioning. “We need a stable funding, some building structures remain incomplete, there is lack of transport and recreational facilities, and there are no salaries for workers” said Mothibi
Enquiries:
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444
MEC China Dodovu pledges 10 wheelchairs for the elders on his birthday
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