The Empilweni Home which is a shelter for the elderly, disabled and vulnerable, situated near the Bedford Orthopaedic Hospital in Mthatha, has warmly received a donation of food parcels, handed over to it by the Mthatha Express team as part of observing the Mandela Day.
The 67 food packs, containing soup mix, instant soup, lentils, stock, and rice, were handed over to the home for the elderly on July 16.
“Empilweni Home wishes to express its profound gratitude for the donation they have brought us in commemoration of Madiba’s birthday. The donation is very paramount, especially during the current winter season and our residents are definitely going to enjoy the donation and we hope there will be more to come in future,” said Empilweni Home administration manager, Cynthia Ike, in receiving the donation.
A jubilant elderly resident, Nakasa Mjojeli (69), also added her voice in expressing gratitude for the donation on behalf of residents. “We thank you for doing this and for showing us the love that Madiba showed to the people of this country including myself,” she said.
The Empilweni Home is a non-profit organisation (NPO) that started operating in 1984 and shelters elderly people, the frail, those living with disabilities, abused women and those suffering from dementia due to old age.
The home derives its operational resources from government funding, through the Department of Social Development, as well as philanthropic donations from corporates and private individuals.
It has the capacity to cater for 134 people but currently takes care of 102 people, with a staff complement of 52 employees.
Empilweni Home started operating in Mthatha in 1984.
