LESOTHO DELEGATION IMPRESSED BY THE COMPREHENSIVE CARE AT ZANELE MBEKI FRAIL CARE CENTRE

By Precious Mupenzi

• The Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre challenges the perception that state-run facilities are poorly managed by providing high-quality care for older persons and individuals with disabilities. This well-managed centre demonstrates that government institutions can offer dignified, compassionate, and effective care, setting a high standard for public facilities that are operated for the care and protection of older persons. 
• The centre operates around the clock with a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, robust transport services, and a strong operational budget. It ensures residents receive holistic care, from medical attention to recreational activities, all underpinned by a solid legal framework and external oversight.
• The Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre fosters a multicultural and inclusive environment where residents of all races and religions are welcomed. It offers a range of activities to promote active ageing and supports spiritual, cultural, and emotional needs, ensuring that all residents feel valued and respected.

The Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre stands as proof that state-run facilities can be excellently managed, setting a high standard for the care and protection of older persons. While state-run facilities often face criticism for outdated services and poor management compared to their privately-run counterparts, the Zanele Mbeki Centre dispels these concerns. It demonstrates that with the right dedication and compassion, state-run institutions can provide top-notch care that meets the needs of every resident with dignity and respect. The centre’s success challenges the common perception that government-managed facilities are poorly maintained, showing that effective management can lead to outstanding service and support.

This was the sentiment expressed by Mankhatho Linko, Director of Planning for the Kingdom of Lesotho’s Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, during a visit to the Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni. This 24-hour state-run facility, which cares for elderly people and individuals with disabilities, left a lasting impression on the delegation. The delegates praised the South African government for upholding the rights of older persons and  delivering dedicated services.

The facility is a three-story building. The ground and first floors house male and female wards, while the second floor is a vibrant recreational hall, affectionately known as the “Therapy Room.” The institution accommodates up to 190 residents, with three wards for men and two for women. Four of the wards house up to 40 residents each, while the fifth accommodates 30 residents. Each ward is divided into two wings, ensuring privacy and comfort for residents. Every wing is equipped with its own dining hall and ablution facilities, all under the watchful eye of a centrally located nurses’ station, ensuring that medical care is always nearby.

During the visit, Mr. Molefe Makhele, Head of the Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre, expressed pride in the institution’s work.

“We aim to provide not only basic care but a holistic approach to the well-being of our residents. We are committed to ensuring that every older person and person with disabilities in our care feels respected, valued, and supported in every aspect of their lives,” he stated.

The Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre is a hub of meticulous care and support, equipped to handle a range of needs. With eight vehicles, including two specially modified buses for hospital trips, the centre ensures that residents are transported safely and efficiently. “We have five sedans for staff use and a van for various transport needs,” said Mr. Makhele. “A driver is always on standby to handle emergencies, ensuring swift transport to nearby hospitals or clinics if health conditions change suddenly.”

The centre operates with an annual budget of R65.1 million from the Department of Social Development. This funding is allocated to crucial areas: R40.7 million for staff salaries, R24 million for goods and services, and R357,000 as pocket money for residents.

Mr. Makhele emphasised, “Our primary expenses include essential supplies like nappies, clothing, toiletries, and outsourced services such as water and electricity. We also ensure that food, clothing, and toiletries are provided for residents, and we cover pauper’s burials for those without family support, maintaining their dignity throughout their lives.”

Under Makhele’s leadership, the institution’s staff is dedicated to providing exceptional care. “Our team includes a nursing manager, 10 professional nurses, 66 assistant nurses, five social workers, and social auxiliary workers,” he noted. “They ensure comprehensive, round-the-clock care. We also rely on outsourced services such as catering, laundry, cleaning, gardening, security, hygiene, and pest control to allow our staff to focus on direct care.”

The centre’s operations are governed by a robust legal framework, including the Domestic Violence Act and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. “Our institutional policies, such as those on admissions and pocket money, help us maintain high standards of care and operational efficiency. These guidelines ensure that we provide the best possible environment for our residents,” Makhele stated.

As a government entity, the Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre benefits from oversight and support from various directorates within the Gauteng Department of Social Development. “We receive regular monitoring from external bodies such as the Gauteng Audit Services, the Human Rights Commission, and the Public Service Commission,” said Makhele. “This support is crucial for maintaining our standards and ensuring we meet all necessary regulations.”

Residents enjoy a wide range of activities, from indoor games like morabaraba to group outings and gardening projects in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture. “We offer an active ageing programme with group walks and host weekly religious services,” Makhele explained. “Clergy from various faiths are welcomed to provide spiritual care, ensuring that residents’ diverse needs are met.”

The centre faces the sensitive task of managing the death of residents with compassion and respect. Makhele highlighted, “Families are encouraged to maintain funeral cover benefits if available, but for those without family, we ensure dignified pauper’s burials, facilitated by our partnership with an undertaker.”

The Zanele Mbeki Frail Care Centre prides itself on being a multicultural home. “We welcome residents of all races and religions,” said Makhele. “Each resident can practice their faith and cultural traditions in a respectful and supportive environment. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels valued and supported,” he concluded.