Latest News
Thriving through 2025 – a toast to life
Once again calling on the community to help bring festive joy to elders through our annual Christmas Lunch campaign – a cherished tradition that turns loneliness into laughter.
‘Human Forever’ inspires Durban audience
What better way to mark the International Day of Care and Support than with a screening of the inspiring global documentary, Human Forever, at Suncoast CineCentre in Durban.
Celebrating 100 years of life with Mrs Rosemary De Waal
To mark Mrs De Waal’s centenary we hosted a small gathering in her honour, complete with tea, stories, and a cake sponsored by a generous donor.
Open Days at Tafta – explore safe and supportive accommodation options.
In May, we hosted a series of ‘Open Days’ across four of our residential buldings – Langeler Towers, Tafta Lodge, Kings Hall and Tafta on Ridge. We welcomed older adults (and their families) who were exploring safe and supportive accommodation options.
67 minutes for 67 years – you helped tick off 67 much-needed items
This year Tafta celebrated 67 years of caring. It was impossible not to make the connection to the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent in service to others. And to challenge others to help us tick off 67 much-needed items on our Mandela Day wish list.
Alzheimer’s Awareness Day – breaking down the stigma
To mark World Alzheimer’s Day, Tafta joined forces with the National Department of Social Development (DSD) to host an awareness session at the Anna Conradie Wellness Centre.
Always better to say, ‘thank you’ in person
Our first ever donor appreciation function took place recently at Tafta on Ridge in Overport, Durban. Invited guests were able to interact, share life stories and discuss issues and projects with Tafta staff and residents alike.
“Back in Time” with our resident volunteers!
How do you say, “Thank you” to the wonderful band of volunteers who keep our homes running smoothly and full of life? From checking in on neighbours to helping with events, lending a hand with building upkeep and assisting with administrative tasks, these volunteers go above and beyond to make our community warm, caring and connected.
More than 200 older persons shine at Tafta sports day
As part of our Month of Older Persons celebrations, Kings Park Athletics Stadium came alive with colour, cheer, and celebration on 8 October for Tafta’s annual Senior Athletics Sports Day.
Sixteen-year-old leads heartfelt drive to support Tafta
Yasthika stepped forward with a purpose far bigger than herself – to bring dignity and comfort to the elderly at Tafta.
Keeping elders connected – WiFi is in the building!
On 18 September 2025, a dream came true for Tafta management and residents alike, with the launch of WiFi at The Mary Asher Wellness Centre within our Kings Hall building.
Elders’ safety prioritised with new fencing at Tafta Park
Huge thanks to our wonderful donors and partners who rallied to help after a frightening home invasion at Tafta Park. Criminals cut through the perimeter fencing to gain access to the complex, leaving vulnerable residents badly shaken.
Tafta and Starke Ayres Sow Seeds of Hope
This Spring Day, staff and residents across all 13 Tafta homes came together to plant seeds of hope—literally!
Affordable accommodation for life
Affordable units for sale on Tafta’s life rights scheme – view listings and choose your new home for life now.
Community support for Mandela Day was inspiring
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.
Tafta proud to be placed in the Top 3 for the KZN Top Brand Awards
SA Home Loans emerged overall winners of the KZN Top Brand Awards, with Tafta coming in third place – thanks to YOUR votes. We thank everyone who took the time to support and vote for us; your belief in our work means the world to us.
Tafta Council member awarded MBE
Our 2nd Vice Chairperson of Council, Mr David Warmback, recently traveled to London to receive an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), awarded during an official ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Concern and confusion over SASSA Old Age Grant payments
Concern and confusion over SASSA Old-Age Grant payments South African elders who are reliant on the SASSA old-age grant have been anxiously awaiting their payments, scheduled for Wednesday 2 July. This after the suspension of thousands of old-age grants in June...
Vote for us in the KZN Top Brand Award
Urgent action needed! Once again, Tafta has been nominated for the prestigious KZN Top Brand Award. We're so proud and excited to have been recognised as an organisation making a significant, positive impact on the community we serve, helping to make KZN a better...
Tafta commemorates Elder Abuse Awareness Day – staff say ‘No’ to elder abuse
We observed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a renewed commitment to combat elder abuse and promote the dignity and rights of older persons. Management and staff stood together, a sea of purple and turquoise clothing, to show their solidarity.
Tafta Golf Day at Cotswold, a swinging success!
Tafta Golf Day at Cotswold was a swinging success, with overall backing of the event exceeding expectations
Come visit us – Tafta Open Days this May!
Tafta is hosting a series of Open Days this May, giving elders and their families a chance to explore our residences, learn about our services, and chat to our friendly team. Come see what life at Tafta is all about!
Thank you for being an angel in disguise
Thank you for being an angel in disguise Sometimes you have to make an immediate decision to help ... even when you're not quite sure how you'll manage it. That's what happened recently when we learned about Mrs S, who was left helpless and alone after suffering a...
Getting the community involved – big drive in February
Tafta’s Nursing, Social Work, and PR teams were out and about during February, engaging with the community and fostering meaningful connections across generations.
Celebrating World Social Work Day: strengthening generational bonds
Tafta’s Social Workers and PR team celebrated World Social Work Day by fostering intergenerational connections and honouring the role of social work in well-being.
Elders feel the love this Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, Tafta’s elders received love and gave back through serenades, celebrations, and a heartwarming outreach at Wentworth Hospital.
Longevity – making sure elders enjoy their golden years
In March, our elders were encouraged to embrace the journey of ageing by learning how to adapt to physical changes and maintain overall well-being.
Donors enjoy special appreciation Tea & Tour
Donors enjoy special appreciation Tea & Tour On 3 April 2025 , we welcomed a very special group of visitors to Tafta on Ridge for an Appreciation Tea & Tour. All the guests are generous donors to our organisation – people who regularly support our efforts to...
Message from our CEO, Femada Shamam
CEO Femada Shamam reviews highlights of the 2023/2024 financial year and looks to the future through the new 2030 strategy plan.
Tafta marks 67 years of service with a meaningful call to action
This year, Tafta celebrates 67 years of providing affordable care and support to older people in our community. Drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s 67 years spent in service to others, we are urging South Africans to give back to the elders who shaped our world.
40 years of dedicated service – thank you, December
Maintenance Manager, December Ntuli, recently retired after 40 years’ service to Tafta. His dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated.
Golf Day 2025 Fundraiser at Cotswold Downs
Get ready for a fun-filled day on the greens, where you can spend the day networking and promoting your brand – all for a good cause. Our annual Golf Day raises funds toward Tafta’s Meal Delivery Service for elders in need.
Shock and outrage following rape and murder of 85-year old grandmother
85-year old Lenziwe Mazibuko has become the latest victim of elder abuse, after her half naked, lifeless body was discovered in her home at Loskop near Estcourt on Monday 10 February.
Christmas joy – thanks to you
Thank you for a joyous end to 2024 With your help, we served almost 1 500 Durban elders with a magnificent Christmas meal over the festive season at our various residences and wellness centres. Support from the people of Durban was overwhelming; we really cannot thank...
Over 3 000 people assisted through Tafta’s Toll-Free National Elder Abuse Helpline
Since the launch of our toll-free elder abuse helpline, we’ve fielded 3 184 calls, mostly from older women. Conversely, the majority of abusers were male.
Groundbreaking report on dementia at CHOGM 2024 in Samoa
Commonage tasked an international 6-person delegation to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa from 21 to 26 October 2024.
Happy Hearts Club crowned victors at Tafta Sports Day
Happy Hearts Club were crowned victors at Tafta Sports Day on 7 October 2024 at the Curries Fountain Sports Development Centre in Greyville, Durban.
Tafta AGM provides an opportunity to celebrate our achievements
A number of council members, residents and guests attended our AGM, which took place on Thursday 19 September at the Anna Conradie Wellness Centre at Tafta Lodge.
Tafta Council Vice Chair ‘runs’ 31 km on 31 December
Tafta recently accept a ceremonial cheque, representing funds raised during the 31 kilometres on 31st December Fun Run, hosted by Charmain Shandu.
Golf Day – a wonderful time of camraderie and caring for elders in need
Tafta’s annual golf day in aid of our Meal Delivery Service for elders took place on 31 May 2024 at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club.
Tafta to host a FullBright Specialist Programme
We are delighted to have a FullBright Scholar, Dr Renu Varughese, joining us from the USA for a Train the Trainer Programme on Elder Care.
Tee off at Tafta’s Golf Day Fundraiser
Tee off at Tafta's Golf Day Fundraiser Following a successful resurgence of our annual Corporate Golf Day last year, we are once again calling on corporates and teams of individuals to support this event in aid of Tafta’s Meal Delivery Service. With an ageing global...
Conversation Cards break communication barriers
Tafta Conversation cards have been introduced as a lighthearted and insightful exercise that helps younger generations engage with elders around them, enjoy meaningful conversations and catch a glimpse of the world through their eyes.
Saying it with flowers on Valentine’s Day
On Valentine’s Day, Kay Govender spread a little love at John Conradie House and Langeler Towers by offering a “Buy me a rose” service.
Intergenerational communication is key
This February, Tafta encourages supporters to embrace the month of love (and beyond) by showing care and appreciation to those who first loved us … our parents, grandparents and guardians who raised us, who are now the older generation.
Tafta CEO elected Vice Chair of CommonAge
Huge congratulations to Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam, on her election as Vice Chair for the CommonAge Board of Directors
Tafta Golf Day
Calling all golfers – join us at Mount Edgecombe Country Club on Friday 31 May 2024 for a swinging day of golf, friendly rivalry and networking opportunities … all for a good cause.
Thanks for giving festive joy
Thanks to friends like you, Durban’s elders were able to share good times over the festive season … a delicious traditional meal in pleasant company, cheerful chatter, laughter, music and dancing.
Making people happy is the most wonderful feeling
Making people happy is the most wonderful feeling These pictures show you – far better than mere words ever could – just what your Christmas lunch sponsorship means to Durban's elders. Thanks to generous support from people like you, we were able to 'treat'...
The gift that keeps on giving
The gift that keeps on giving We are so grateful to Pick n Pay, which nominated Tafta as one of the beneficiary organisations of their new outreach initiative. The retail giant donated gift cards that will be topped up monthly throughout the year ahead to purchase...
Sapphire Soiree a spectacular success
In celebration of 65 years of advocating for and responding to the needs of older people Tafta hosted a Spectacular Sapphire Soirée at the Durban Jewish Club on Friday 27 October.
High 5s all round at Tafta’s Senior Sports Day
On 4 October, Tafta hosted the annual combined sports day at the Addington Primary School grounds at South Beach.
Our CEO, Femada Shamam, is attending the 2023 Global Ageing Conference
Here’s wishing our CEO, Femada Shamam, all the best as she attends the 2023 Global Ageing Conference being held in Glasgow, Scotland!
Jane Linley-Thomas behind Spectacular Sapphire Soirée
In collaboration with Jane Linley-Thomas (Radio DJ and Founder of the ReJoyce Collection), Tafta will host a Gala Dinner come Fashion Show on 27 October 2023 at the Durban Jewish Club.
Thanks for your Mandela Day support
In celebration of Mandela Month, Tafta spent July encouraging both supporters and beneficiaries to adopt the theme, “It is in your hands” in an effort to connect those in need with those who can help.
Thank you for the gift of food – your donation to Tafta’s Meal Delivery Service
Sincere thanks to our generous supporters who rallied round to help keep our meal delivery service on track.
Mandela Day – spend your 67 minutes with us, bringing joy to older people
With 12 homes and wellness centres to support, you’ll find just the right activity to make your Mandela Day special … and continue the tradition of serving those in need in our community.
65 years from now – will your kindness still touch Tafta elders?
Like a pebble tossed into a lake, one sentence in your Will naming Tafta as a beneficiary can send ripples of goodwill spreading down through the years, and bring tremendous comfort and relief to countless elderly people in need.
Important information for donors requiring tax certificates
As from the beginning of the 2023/24 tax year, SARS requires additional information to be included on all Section 18A Tax Certificates issued in respect of donations made to public beneficiary and non-profit organisations.
‘Running Ron’ raises funds for Tafta
For ‘Running Ron’, as he is known, finishing The Ultimate Human Race was more than a personal achievement … it was about helping others along the way.

























































