Staff from Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban uMhlanga visit Tafta with their Mandela Day gifts.

Inspiring community support for Mandela Day

We were deeply moved by the incredible spirit of generosity shown by the public in honour of both Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service and Tafta’s own 67-year journey of care and dignity for older people.

Support poured in from individuals, organisations, and groups who chose to spend their 67 minutes uplifting the lives of elders in meaningful and lasting ways.

“From generous donations toward the cost of elder care to volunteer-led activities, the outpouring of kindness reminded us of the powerful impact of collective compassion,” said Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam.

These acts of service and giving not only met immediate needs, but also helped raise awareness of the ongoing challenges older people face – especially around the cost of care, nutrition, social isolation, and safe accommodation.

We thank those who celebrated Mandela Day by offering practical help in the form of improvements to our various homes. These included

  • The installation of wheelchair ramps by Frankwills Maintenance
  • Bird-proofing by National Maintenance and Nev’s Pest Control
  • Essential CCTV repairs by Stream Group to reinforce security systems
  • Professional carpet cleaning by Bidvest.

Continental China, Medscheme, T-Rifik Painters, Protea Hotel and other caring donors provided crockery, cutlery, and groceries. Impact Farming supported sustainable living with donations of seedlings and compost for garden beds. Incontinence wear donated by Akeso Umhlanga, and items purchased through Tafta’s Musgrave Centre Trolley Dash victory also contributed to elders’ comfort and dignity in daily living.

Among the most inspiring Mandela Day moments were the contributions made by elders themselves. Tafta residents prepared and distributed soup, sandwiches and bread to those in need in their communities. Others visited a children’s home with gifts and treats, while some brought blankets and toiletries to young patients in hospital. Their actions reflect a commitment to giving back, showing that purposeful living does not diminish with age.

Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam said, “The response from our community this Mandela Day – along with the inspiring elder-led acts of service within our homes – proves that together, we can build an age-friendly world. One where older people are not only seen and supported, but also recognised as active contributors to society.”

Visit our Facebook page for more Mandela Day activities and share in the Madiba magic.