DSD CONDUCTS OVERSIGHT VISIT TO LATLHA PATLA SERVICE CLUB IN FAFUNG VILLAGE

By Precious Mupenzi

• A non-profit organisation in the North West is a prime example of what community-based care should look like, with beneficiaries not only receiving support but actively participating in shaping programmes.
• Paying the Latlha Patla Service Club in Fafung Village an oversight visit, the Director-General of Social Development, Peter Netshipale, commended the organisation for its role in empowering older persons at community level.
• “This centre shows that with proper support and good governance, older persons can continue to contribute meaningfully to their communities,” Netshipale added.

An oversight visit to the Latlha Patla Service Club, a department-funded non-profit organisation based in Ward 1 of Fafung Village in Bojanala in the North West Province, has highlighted the importance of the Department of Social Development’s commitment to supporting community-based services for older persons.

The oversight visit was led by the Director-General of Social Development, Peter Netshipale, accompanied by Deputy Director-General: Welfare Services, Siza Magangoe, and the North West Head of Department for Social Development, Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele.

Latlha Patla Service Club is a department-registered non-profit organisation run by older persons for older persons, providing a safe and supportive space that promotes dignity, active ageing and community participation. The organisation also operates as a cooperative to ensure sustainability through income-generating activities.

During the visit, the delegation assessed the implementation of the funded programmes, governance structures, service delivery impact, and the overall well-being of beneficiaries. The organisation currently serves 19 older persons (17 females and two males) and provides daily meals, social support, recreational activities and income-generating initiatives.

The organisation received its first department funding of R65 200 during the 2024/25 financial year, and was allocated R129 665 in the 2025/26 financial year, mainly to support nutrition, stipends and administration.

Addressing beneficiaries and management during the oversight visit, Netshipale commended the organisation for its role in empowering older persons at community level.

“What we see here at Latlha Patla Service Club is a practical demonstration of what community-based care should look like. Older persons are not only receiving support, but they are actively participating in shaping programmes that improve their quality of life,” said Netshipale.

“As the department, our responsibility is to ensure that public funding reaches organisations that restore dignity, promote independence and create sustainable livelihoods. This centre shows that with proper support and good governance, older persons can continue to contribute meaningfully to their communities,” he added.

Chairperson of the Latlha Patla Service Club, Esther Ramaklakana, said the organisation’s journey began with a shared vision among older persons in the community.

“Latlha Patla Service Club started in 2012 when we came together as older persons to support one another.

“We began by contributing R20 per person every month. Through our meetings, we shared our experiences and capabilities and decided to start a baking project.

“Today, we bake traditional bread (dikgaragana) and scones, which we supply to the Fafung community and neighbouring villages,” said Ramaklakana.

The organisation operates in line with the Older Persons Act (Act 13 of 2006), focusing on empowerment, protection and social participation of older persons, while encouraging self-reliance and community integration.

Peggy Mhlongo-Kgaboesele emphasised the importance of strong governance and compliance to ensure the sustainability of services, while Siza Magangoe highlighted the role of such centres in reducing social isolation and promoting healthy ageing.

The Latlha Patla Service Club is also receiving capacity-building support, including assistance to access funding opportunities through the National Lotteries Commission system, as part of strengthening its long-term sustainability.

The oversight visit forms part of the Department of Social Development’s broader programme to monitor funded organisations, strengthen accountability and ensure that services reach vulnerable groups, particularly older persons, in line with the government’s commitment to social protection and inclusive development.