The Department of Nursing at Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently celebrated Mandela Month at Emuseni Centre for the Aged in in Pietermaritzburg, an essential facility supporting 55 indigent senior citizens from the Greater Edendale community.
Most of these residents are frail and lack family support. The event, themed ’67 Minutes of Nurturing the elderly in unity’, aligned with the call to action to dedicate 67 minutes of community service, reflecting Mandela’s 67 years of fighting for social justice. By taking this initiative, DUT Nursing students and staff demonstrated their commitment to building a better world, echoing Mandela’s values of empathy, compassion, and equality.
In 2023, the Department of Nursing launched a community engagement project to address the Centre’s needs. Recognising that the Centre’s challenges required a holistic, university-wide response, the project strategically expanded to involve other DUT Faculties including Management Sciences, Arts and Design and Applied Sciences.
On the day of the event, the Department of Hospitality and Tourism at DUT prepared and served a scrumptious meal with love to the elders, while Fashion and Textiles in collaboration with the Textile Science and Apparel Technology jointly committed themselves to design and produce custom bedspreads and pillowcases, leveraging their academic skills to directly enhance the comfort and dignity of the residents.
Department of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue at DUT, joined the venture this year by offering educational sessions and demonstrations on essential first aid, including responses to common emergencies while Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics students conducted assessments for individuals who may require prosthetic or orthotic devices and a need for repair of any walking aid devices. A significant outcome of this expansion was the inclusion and commitment of external partners namely; the Ward Councillor, Mr Dumisani Zondi, UNILEVER, The Optometrist by Yousuf Seedat and Vuyisiwe Nxumalo who is a Private Social Worker.
The Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at DUT, Professor Pavitra Pillay, delivered opening remarks, expressing gratitude to the Emuseni Centre for the Aged’s management for their valuable collaboration. She also highlighted the strong partnership between DUT and the centre, which is essential for successful community engagement initiatives
“On behalf of the Durban University of Technology and everyone present, we want to make today a special day for you, filled with happiness and joy. We also hope to establish a long-lasting partnership that will continue to make a positive impact in your lives, making things a little bit easier and brighter for you,” said Prof Pillay.
The event continued with the official opening of the Emuseni garden, a collaborative effort led by Nursing students and Ward Councillor, Mr Zondi. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and individuals who contributed to the event’s success, acknowledging the teamwork and effort that made it possible.
Ms Sue McAlister, General Manager of Emuseni Centre, expressed heartfelt gratitude to DUT and the Edendale community for their ongoing support. This acknowledgement highlighted the significance of the partnership and the positive impact it has on the centre’s operations and the lives of its residents.
“We are thankful for the community support, which has brought us to where we are today, and we also appreciate DUT’s visit, which holds great significance for us. Your support has been vital to our success, and we will forever be grateful to DUT for taking the time to connect with us – it truly means a lot,” said McAlister.
A vibrant collaboration of diverse talents then came together in service, showcasing remarkable synergy and connection across various stations, including the Garden Hub, Wellness Sanctuary, Nourishment Station, Style and Dignity Corner, Safety Zone, Heart-to-Heart Listening Corner, and Clear Outlook.
Clinical Instructor in Nursing Department, Sister Thembeni Ngcobo extended her deepest gratitude to all participants in the Mandela Month celebration held at the Emuseni Centre for the Aged, saying their involvement embodied the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, focusing on community service and compassion.
“A special thank you to the Community engagement team for facilitating DUT branding and thoughtful gifts, recognizing the staff’s passion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of our golden agers. The Faculty of Health Sciences and the Innobiz Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation for generously providing lunch, satisfying our physiological needs. The Real Estate Management, Innobiz; Nursing Alumni for the garden project material supplies and PSAM Printings for sponsoring branded t-shirts and caps. Moreover, Insika Men a 3rd year nursing student led NPO. The transport team for ensuring safe and reliable shuttle services that facilitated the visit to Emuseni. Every contribution was a vital thread in a beautiful tapestry of care. Most importantly the smiles and heartfelt engagement from the residents of Emuseni were the greatest reward of all,” said Sister Ngcobo.
Pictured: DUT students and staff at Emuseni Centre for the Aged.
Photographer : Sihle Nzima
Thubelihle Dumakude
