CARING FOR THE ELDERLY: A GLIMPSE INTO DAVEYTON’S LIFELINE FOR OLDER PERSONS

Precious Mupenzi 

• The Daveyton Society for the Aged in South Africa serves as a critical refuge for older persons, providing 24-hour care and fostering a sense of community in a township marked by poverty and social challenges.
• A delegation from the Kingdom of Lesotho visited the home to learn from South Africa’s approach to elderly care, exploring the complexities and innovative strategies in place to support older persons.
• Funding remains a significant challenge for the centre, which relies on a mix of government support and community donations to sustain its essential services for vulnerable older persons.

In the heart of Daveyton, a township rich in history and resilience, stands the Daveyton Society for the Aged—a sanctuary for some of society’s most vulnerable members: the elderly. Nestled beside the home is a vibrant crèche, where the cheerful sounds of children playing echo throughout the day. For the residents, these joyful noises are more than just a pleasant distraction—they bring warmth and a sense of connection. During breaks, the children often spill into the home’s yard, their laughter filling the air as they run and play. This sight brings comfort to many residents, especially those who miss their own grandchildren, helping to bridge the gap of loneliness and reminding them of the love and laughter that once filled their lives.

On the third day of a learning visit to South Africa, the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development from the Kingdom of Lesotho spent time at this essential home, gaining insights into the challenges of elder care and the creative solutions South Africa has implemented to address them.

The Lesotho delegation, visiting South Africa from 2 to 5 September 2025, had a clear goal: to foster collaboration on social development issues, particularly the well-being of older persons. South Africa, like many nations, is grappling with a growing elderly population and the myriad challenges that come with it—challenges that are keenly felt in places like Daveyton.

Daveyton, one of the oldest townships in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, has faced its share of trials. Established in the 1950s, it has been shaped by South Africa’s turbulent history while maintaining a strong sense of community and identity. Its narrow streets bustle with life, but beneath this vibrancy lies a community grappling with poverty, unemployment, and the care of its older persons.

Against this backdrop, the Daveyton Society for the Aged was founded in May 1995. Initially a modest shelter with only six residents, the home provided refuge for homeless, destitute, and vulnerable older persons. Over the years, the centre grew, becoming a frail care centre by 2001, offering 24-hour care for up to 18 residents. Today, it remains a lifeline for older persons in need of round-the-clock support.

Ms Emily Mohlamonyane, the Centre Manager, shared the origins of the organisation: “In the early 80s, concerned professionals noticed that many older persons in Daveyton were being abused, neglected, and left destitute. They started with a simple luncheon club, which eventually evolved into the old age home. As the needs of the community grew, so did our mission,” she explained.

The organisation is governed by a seven-member management board, but the path forward is not without challenges. “Our biggest challenge is funding,” said Mohlamonyane. “We are constantly in need of financial support to sustain our programmes and provide the quality care that our residents deserve.”

Mr Fanie Tshabalala, a Board Member, echoed Emily’s sentiments and spoke passionately about the home’s impact on the Daveyton community. He emphasised the vital role the centre plays in caring for older persons who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. “This home has become a cornerstone of support and dignity for older persons in our community,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of strong governance to ensure the home’s continued success. “Good governance is the foundation of our work,” he explained. “As a board, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency. We owe it to our residents and the community to manage this organisation with integrity, ensuring that every decision we make is in their best interests.” Tshabalala takes pride in how the board’s dedication to ethical leadership has helped the home thrive, providing not just a roof over the heads of the elderly but a place where they can feel safe, loved, and truly at home.

The Daveyton Society for the Aged operates on a modest budget, with 70% of its funding provided by the Department of Social Development. The remaining 30% must be raised through donations and fundraising, a constant challenge for the centre. The home charges each resident R1,700 per month, which helps cover operational costs, but many needs, such as funeral coverage and personal expenses, rely on the generosity of the community.

Despite these financial constraints, the home remains a beacon of care. Its team of caregivers, social workers, nurses, and support staff work tirelessly to ensure that residents receive the respect and attention they deserve. In addition to the 18 residents, the home serves elderly persons in nearby communities like Etwatwa and Wattville through home-based care programmes, offering support to those unable to come to the centre.

Accompanying the Lesotho delegation was Ms Khanyisile Mathebula, Director of Special Needs, Families, and Homelessness within the Gauteng Department of Social Development. She highlighted the Older Persons’ Rights Strategy 2020-2025, a key initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the elderly in Gauteng.

“Gauteng is home to over 15 million people, and of that number, approximately 1,397,744 are older persons. In Ekurhuleni alone, we have about 346,000 older persons,” Mathebula explained. “The older persons are a vulnerable group, often overlooked. They face poverty, health issues, the lasting impact of HIV & AIDS, and isolation. Family structures have changed, and many older persons find themselves alone, with limited access to information, education, or even healthcare.”

The strategy aims to protect the rights of older persons, improve their quality of life, and ensure services are responsive to their needs. However, the government’s efforts can only go so far. Non-governmental and non-profit organisations like the Daveyton Society for the Aged are on the front lines, filling the gaps where government services may fall short.

As the delegation toured the Daveyton Society for the Aged, it became clear that the challenges faced by older persons are not unique to South Africa—they are universal. The vital role of non-profits in addressing these issues also became evident. Yet, funding remains a persistent obstacle. Without the financial means to sustain their work, organisations like the Daveyton Society for the Aged risk being unable to continue providing these essential services.

“Older persons deserve to live with dignity, and we are committed to making that a reality,” said Mathebula. “But we need more support—both from the public and private sectors—to ensure that places like the Daveyton Society for the Aged can continue their incredible work.”

As the Lesotho delegation concluded their visit, they left with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in caring for older persons in both state-run and privately-run homes. The lessons learned in Daveyton will undoubtedly inform their own strategies as they return home to address similar issues. And for the Daveyton Society for the Aged, the visit was a reminder that while the road may be long, they are not walking it alone.