The wisdom of history will always be passed on by those who lived through it. Older persons are the backbone of our communities and they deserve dignity, support and an opportunity to retain as much independence as possible, fulfilling their chosen roles in our communities.
With the help of corporates, non-profit organisations (NPOs) are able to provide this opportunity. NOAH (Neighbourhood Old Age Homes) is one such example, providing housing, health and social support services to the more than 700 state pensioners under their care. This is why Anglo American wholeheartedly supports organisations like NOAH.
We spoke to NOAH Director Anne Dobson who says, “Home, health and happiness for every older person is our vision, which informs every aspect of our work in supporting state pensioners who live on R1410 a month. No-one can anyone afford to house, clothe, and feed themselves, as well as provide for their health and transport needs on this limited income. We provide the support that enables our beneficiaries to not only rid themselves of the anxiety of a life of poverty, but also provide opportunities for hope and purpose which are not necessarily associated with old age.
Dobson goes on to say that strategic corporate funding is key in supporting the provision of critical social services, and in assisting these NPOs move into a business space to ensure sustainability for the long term. It is also important for government, civil society and corporates to work together to help strengthen the basic fabric of our country.
“One such corporate that is heeding this call to make our dream a reality is Anglo American,” says Dobson. “They are one of the many companies that help us reach out to many social pensioners, giving them dignity, security, independence and companionship in their old age.”
At Anglo American, corporate social investment (CSI) is deeply rooted in our business. Through our dedicated CSI arm, the Chairman’s Fund focusses on creating a lasting and meaningful impact in South Africa. Through supporting NOAH we have equipped them to provide better care, support, comfort, and opportunity to disadvantaged pensioners in the region. This year, NOAH has used our support to establish two assisted living facilities, those being Nonkululeko in Khayelitsha and McNulty House in Woodstock.
Vuyiseka Gumbe’s mother has been a member at NOAH since 2005 and she is extremely grateful for the corporates who help support the elderly. “When my mom had a stroke things were very frustrating. I was alone in having to take care of her. I was responsible for taking her to all of her doctor visits and sometimes spent days at the hospital with her even though we needed the money and I should have been looking for work. My mom used to stay in the house all day as she was completely paralysed on her right side.”
Gumbe says that her mother was taken to NOAH and now her life has changed drastically. “My mom is no longer paralysed and has made a full recovery since being at NOAH. Life has changed for us all. She is able to see a doctor regularly and does not have to queue for days. I can now get on with my life because I don’t have to worry anymore. She occupies herself with beading, is part of the choir and has made new friends.”
We’re proud to say that our funding has helped ensure that NOAH is able to meet its objectives in providing dignified, affordable accommodation, health care and social support to this experienced, wise, and too often neglected sector of society.