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| The 12 meter long container donated by the NDA to the Imizamo Yethu Elders Group in Mdantsane NU 12 |
The
Slogan of NDA - the National Development Agency is "Unlocking
Potential".
On the first of February 2013 the NDA showed us, that they are in
fact serious about their mission statement.
The
National Development Agency (NDA) has partnered with the Imizamo Yethu for Elder
Persons Group in Mdantsane to implement a capacity building
program for the elderly by facilitating a working place in Mdantsane in NU12 for the crafters.
A fully furnished 12-metre container, funded by the NDA, that houses an administrative office and work stations for 30 elderly
persons, mostly women, has been handed over to the beneficiaries, who were previously
based in a classroom at a school next to Imizamo Yethu ECD center.
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| Beaded Shoes - Products of the Imizamo Yethu Group for Elders in Mdantsane |
The center is the first of its kind in Mdantsane, where the elderly can gather and make handcrafted products ,that they can offer for sale to generate additional income.The handover of the container to the ladies of Imizamo Yethu showed to the public the importance of centers such as this one.
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| The Ladies of Imizamo Yethu Are Listening To The Speach Of The CEO of The National Development Agency |
The handover ceremony took place in a white tent in NU 12, that was stylishly decorated on the inside The tables were adorned with flowers, fruits and refreshing cool drinks.
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| A Woman Of Powerful Words Delivering Her Speech |
The ceremony was attended by high ranking officials of the Eastern Cape Government like the MEC of Social Development, Pemmy Majodina, Mayor of Buffalo City, Cllr Zukiswa Ncitha and the CEO of the NDA, Dr. Vuyelwa Nhlapo.
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| Upholding Traditional Values |
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| One Of the Beneficiaries Of Imizamo Yethu Thanks the NDA Representative For The Support They Are Receiving In Form Of A 12 Meter Long Container |
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| Mbulelo Mdayo of the NDA had his turn in expressing his opinion |
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| Mbulelo Madyo |
We had the pleasure of meeting Mbulelo Madyo before at another event sponsored by the NDA on Nelson Mandel Day last year at the Ethembeni Old Age Home in NU 1 and we came to know him as a person who is very serious about the development of the Mdantsane communities.
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| The honorable guests were listening attentively |
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| Powerful words about old age and the situation of elders in South Africa were spoken by more than one speaker |
When I was told I was coming to handover a new office/work space to an elderly center, I thought to myself: "I wonder who is defined as an older or elder person". I could not find an universal definition due to a number of factors such as cultures, location, age etc. However, what I found in the form of a quote from Jules Renard made complete sense to me. Jules Renard said: "It is not how old you are, but rather, how you are old".
(From the speech of the CEO of the National Development Agency delivered at the launch of the container for the Imizamo Yethu Group For Elders on the 1st of February 2013)
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| The situation of the elderly people in this country is marked by hardship and often dire poverty |
Old people in this country do often face a grim and non-deserved fate. They are exploited by loan sharks, have sometimes to lend money to buy even food.
Their government grants, destined to help them ease the burden of their life, are abused by family members and they do not get the care they need at the end of a long life. Additionally they are victims of gender based violence, like rape in the last years of their life.
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| The look of a long life |
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| Old Age in South Africa - can mean hardship in some cases |
After all the speeches had been delivered the national South African Anthem was sung to close of the function.
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| Hopefully A Look Into A Brighter Future |
a reason to celebrate
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| The Team of Mdantsane FM |
This lot, many of you living in Mdantsane, might know already very well and listen to everyday. The core of Mdantsane's most popular and successful community Radio "Mdantsane FM" was invited too.
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| The Beneficiaries of Imizamo Yethu, The CEO of the National Development Agency and the MEC For Social Development at the launch of the container in NU 12, Mdantsane |
At the end the eagerly awaited handover and a guided tour of the container took place.
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| Handing over the keys of the new workstation to the "elders" |
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| Traditional Exquiste Xhosa Clothing manufactured by the Imizamo Yethu group was shown to the dignitairies |
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| Trying on was a must |
and who can deny the beauty of it
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