Tafta on Ridge became the first home to achieve Eden Alternative accreditation in 2019. The movement promotes life-long learning and growth in an environment that offers access to – and interaction with – nature, animals and children.

65th Anniversary reflections

From small beginnings in 1958, when a group of Round Table members started a project to help Durban’s needy pensioners, Tafta has grown into one of the largest elder care NPOs in South Africa. Today, our reach extends even further. Through representation on platforms such as the Global Ageing Network (GAN), the Commonwealth Association for Ageing (CommonAge) and the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older Persons (GAROP), Tafta advocates for the rights of elders at a global level.

As we celebrate the milestone of our 65th Anniversary, we reflect on some of the highlights of the past five years.

2018

• A big year in the history of the organisation, 2018 marks Tafta’s 60th Anniversary
• Our promotion of active ageing bears fruit when three Tafta elders receive KZN colours in the Golden Games.
• Tafta hosts dialogues with 335 people to uncover the incidence of elder abuse and  encourage discussions around solutions. Ultimately, this would lead to the launch of a toll-free National Elder Abuse Helpline in November 2022.

2019

• Tafta adopts the Eden Alternative philosophy, a fundamental shift in attitude towards care of older persons. Tafta on Ridge becomes the first home in KZN – and the third in South Africa – to be accepted on the Eden Alternative South Africa Registry.
• Tafta’s Cook ‘n Care facility delivers over half a million meals … an average of 4 700 per month … to residents of Tafta and Durban & Coastal Mental Health.

2020

• Owing to the vulnerability of our residents, Tafta implements Covid-19 safety measures, including lockdowns, regular sanitizing of our buildings and control of gatherings and visits. An innovative ‘visitor pod’ allows elders access to their loved ones in a safe and protected environment.
• In place of our usual events and fundraising activities, Tafta hosts an all-day live online fundraiser, showcasing a line up of musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians and other local artists to raise funds for the organisation.
• Our charity shop, Granny’s Attic, is unable to withstand the adverse trading conditions caused by Covid-19 restrictions, and closes down after decades of trading.
• John Dunn House and John Conradie House/Langeler Towers receive their Eden Alternative accreditation.

2021

• Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam, is nominated n the Standard Bank Top Women in Business Awards.
• Tafta’s Cook ‘n Care facility closes and catering for all Tafta buildings and services is outsourced to Capitol Caterers.
• Tafta hosts their first live YouTube broadcast to engage with staff across all buildings.
• The ‘Love is Life’ campaign raises over R70 000 towards Covid care kits for elders in need.
• In the wake of local riots and looting, the Durban community donates groceries and cash to ensure the comfort and care of our elders.

2022

• Post Covid-19, Tafta begins reinstating events such as the internal combined Sports Day, Market Day (in collaboration with North Durban Lions Club), staff wellness days and strategy report back meetings.
• Following devastating floods in April and May, Tafta receives generous donations of food hampers from Hollywood Foundation.
• Launch of innovative Telemedicine platform.
• Tafta joins ‘Break the Bias’ movement for International Women’s Day.
• National Toll-free Elder Abuse Helpline launched to provide support and assistance to elders experiencing abuse.

“Tafta has grown and evolved,” said CEO Femada Shamam. “But the organisation has always been about the people we support … our elders. They are as diverse and capable as any other group.”

“Our elders are our source of joy, inspiration and strength as we acknowledge their resilience through the difficulties experienced between 2020 and 2021,” she added. “As an organisation, we have had to field some curved balls over the past couple of years. At times we have faltered. But we have emerged stronger, united in our determination to pioneer the rights of older people, and ever grateful for our blessings.”

“We depend on our supporters, stakeholders and donors to drive our organisation forward,” she said. “While I don’t always get the chance to see and interact with everyone who is part of this wonderful organisation, know that when I speak of the amazing work we do, I am talking about your efforts. Thank you sincerely.”

Please join us as we celebrate our 65th Anniversary with commemorative events, activities and programmes throughout the year. Follow us on social media for details of special events.

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