MOHLAKENG OLD AGE HOME: A PLACE OF DIGNITY AND CARE IN THE WEST RAND

By Lorato Modisenyane

• The Mohlakeng 20PTP Old Age Home, based on the West Rand, has become a home away from home for many of the province’s most vulnerable senior citizens.
• It provides care and support to those needing assistance with daily living: older persons who no longer have family support or are frail and unable to care for themselves.
• The facility is a place where older persons are respected, valued and supported to live their later years with dignity.

The Mohlakeng 20PTP Old Age Home is more than just a residential facility; it is a place of comfort, dignity and renewed purpose for older persons.

Situated in Mohlakeng, seven kilometres south of Randfontein on the West Rand, the centre is registered under the Older Persons Act and funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development.

The facility was officially launched in October 2024 by Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, together with Rand West City Mayor William Matsheke. It became operational in July 2025, admitting 30 beneficiaries on its first day.

Today, the centre stands as a sign of hope for elderly residents across Gauteng and beyond.

The home provides accommodation, care and support to senior citizens who require assistance with daily living: those who are frail and can no longer care for themselves, and older persons who no longer have family support.

It offers a safe and dignified living environment for vulnerable older persons in need of care and protection.

The centre welcomes residents not only from Mohlakeng but from across the province and even outside Gauteng, reinforcing its importance as a provincial resource for elder care.

With a capacity of 76 beds, the facility is currently full, including its frail care unit, which accommodates 29 residents. There is already a waiting list, a clear indication of the growing need for quality elder care services that promote well-being and social inclusion.

Residents at Mohlakeng 20PTP Old Age Home benefit from a wide range of services designed to support their physical, emotional and social well-being. These include:
•⁠ ⁠24-hour residential care and supervision
•⁠ ⁠Assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and laundry
•⁠ ⁠Housekeeping services
•⁠ ⁠Access to health and frail care services
•⁠ ⁠Provision of nutritious meals tailored to dietary needs
•⁠ ⁠Medication management and basic healthcare monitoring
•⁠ ⁠Recreational and social activities
•⁠ ⁠Psychosocial support services

The centre is committed to upholding the dignity, safety and rights of older persons while providing quality, people-centred and holistic care. It maintains a safe, secure and hygienic residential environment and ensures compliance with all legislative, ethical and professional standards.

Importantly, the facility works to strengthen trust with residents, their families and key stakeholders.

The centre collaborates closely with families, community members, civil society organisations and various government departments.

Through volunteer involvement and stakeholder support, residents remain connected to the broader Mohlakeng community, preventing isolation and encouraging meaningful social engagement.

Management and staff continuously strive to improve service delivery, ensuring residents receive quality care in a nurturing and secure environment.

For many residents, Mohlakeng 20PTP Old Age Home has become a home away from home.

Augusta Napier, 78, a retired nurse from Durban who was admitted in December 2025, describes her stay as comfortable and fulfilling. She enjoys the meals and especially the daily activities offered at the centre.

“As a retired nurse, I would like to volunteer my services at the centre and assist my fellow residents where necessary,” she shared.

Annelie Vermaak, 78, from Pretoria, admits she was initially skeptical when her family suggested relocating to Mohlakeng. However, her doubts quickly disappeared.

“The minute I stepped in, I knew this would be home for me. I even refused to go back home with my family. I told them I’m staying, they must just go back, pack my belongings and bring them to me,” she said with a smile.

Vermaak adds that her stay has been pleasant and she has no complaints.

The home is not simply a care facility; it is a place where older persons are respected, valued and supported to live their later years with dignity.

Through dedicated staff, comprehensive services and strong community partnerships, the centre continues to restore hope and provide a secure home for some of society’s most vulnerable citizens.