By Madali Chibambu
- Gauteng Department of Social Development’s social worker Brenda Maluleke responded swiftly to reports from Protea Glen residents about Gogo Nthabiseng Malefane’s deplorable living conditions.
- Maluleke discovered Gogo Josephine sharing a cold, inadequate room with her grandson, lacking basic necessities like warm blankets.
- The intervention led to Gogo Josephine’s relocation to the Ephraim Zulu Old Age Home and the transfer of her medical records, providing her with much-needed care and support.
Brenda Maluleke, a social worker with the Gauteng Department of Social Development in the Johannesburg Region, recently intervened to assist Gogo Nthabiseng Malefane after receiving reports from the Protea Glen community in Soweto about her uninhabitable living conditions. Based at a satellite office in Protea Glen, Maluleke took immediate action upon learning of the situation.
Upon visiting Gogo Josephine’s residence, Maluleke found her sharing a cramped, cold room with a young boy. The conditions were unsuitable, especially for someone in poor health. “It was cold, and the conditions were not favourable for someone who was sick like Gogo Josephine. They did not have warm blankets, and their room was cold. I was touched by the whole situation,” Maluleke shared.
Gogo Josephine recounted her difficult circumstances, revealing that she once worked as a domestic worker and was gifted a house by her employer. However, she was later informed by the bank that the house was to be repossessed. Her situation worsened with the death of her children, leaving her only surviving son in Lesotho, who does not provide any support.
She now cares for her orphaned grandson, who was unable to continue school due to the absence of a birth certificate. “I have my grandson with me here, and I must make sure that with my grant, I buy them maize meal and soap to bathe,” said Gogo Josephine.
Thanks to Maluleke’s efforts, Gogo Josephine has been relocated to the Ephraim Zulu Old Age Home in Mofolo, where she can receive proper care. Maluleke also facilitated the transfer of her medical clinic file to Mofolo Clinic, ensuring continuity of healthcare. Reflecting on her actions, Maluleke expressed satisfaction in helping one of her beneficiaries and underscored her belief that her work is a calling. She noted that there are many dedicated social workers who take their work seriously and make a positive impact in their communities.