Bulawayo's senior 'good samartians' serving the Nguboyenja Community against all odds

Last Updated on Friday, 17 February 2012 15:48 Written by Ntando Sibanda - ZDDT Reporter Friday, 17 February 2012 15:44

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. A group of dedicated senior citizen's in Ward 8 (Nguboyenja) have taken it upon themselves to assist orphans, HIV/AIDS victims and other old people within their community, with the little resources at their disposal.

The group, which is composed of energetic, passionate and emphatic old ladies is affectionately known as “Sithembel’ enkosini” and was established in 1992. It was commenced as a response to a dire need in the community.



Above: ZDDT Bulawayo PDO, Jasmine Toffa, chats with the some of the members of Sithembel' enkosini in Njube recently

The 'Good Samaritans' have been making an invaluable difference to the older citizens, orphans and underprivileged individuals in the neighbourhood.

Sithembel’ enkosini used to feed, clothe and assist with access to education facilities for these vulnerable groups, but has since succumbed to financial melt down as its members are not in any way employed and have to rely almost entirely on well-wishers to execute this mammoth task
before them.

The group, which also used to depend on subsistence urban farming for income, has since resorted to providing entertainment such as singing and performing cultural dances at events to fundraise to thereby keep itself in existence.

“We used to plant vegetables, which we would then use to feed the people, but as you can see, the weather is not favouring us anymore. We would greatly appreciate it if we could get old pieces of cloth and wool to knit. Most of us here are still able to knit and sew, and we could use the material to help those who cannot afford to buy cloths and so forth.

“Most of the old people in this neighbourhood cannot even afford to pay their rates hence we used to help them from time to time. However the fortunes have since changed and we cannot be able to do that anymore,” said the group coordinator Mrs Sibekiwe Dlodlo.