Speaker Mohono Marks Nelson Mandela Month by Giving Hope to Elderly at Meals on Wheels Community Centre

As part of commemorating Nelson Mandela Month, the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Hon. Dr. Desbo Mohono, spent the day with elderly residents at the Meals on Wheels Community Centre (MOWCC) in Wolmaransstad, reaffirming the Legislature’s commitment to serving vulnerable communities.
Established in 2001, the centre provides shelter and care to approximately 20 elderly residents, aged between 58 and 90 years. Many of the residents live with chronic health conditions, including diabetes, epilepsy and hypertension.
The centre is run by 23 dedicated volunteers, including the Centre Manager, Mr. Gaopalelwe Monnaborwa. Despite their commitment to caring for the elderly, the volunteers receive no regular remuneration and occasionally receive a stipend of only R500.
Mr. Monnaborwa explained that the centre has been unable to access assistance from the Departments of Social Development and Health due to outstanding registration challenges.
“Since taking over as Centre Manager two years ago, I have worked hard to ensure that the centre complies with the requirements of government departments. We have now managed to secure our CSD registration and company registration, which are important steps towards full compliance.
“We continue to face serious challenges, including shortages of adult diapers, groceries, a refrigerator, gas cylinders that do not last the month, and reliable transport.

“Today, the Lord has answered our prayers through the North West Provincial Legislature. We are grateful to have received a refrigerator, a washing machine, adult diapers, groceries and assistance to establish a vegetable garden. This will enable us to provide warm, nutritious meals to our elderly residents,” said Mr. Monnaborwa.
He further noted that while some families continue to visit their elderly relatives and provide toiletries and other necessities, others have abandoned them at the centre. He added that the Department of Social Development has advised the centre not to admit additional elderly persons until its registration challenges are resolved and has encouraged it to explore the possibility of operating as a hospice to care for people living with chronic illnesses, including HIV/AIDS.

Addressing the elderly residents, volunteers and Legislature staff, Dr. Mohono said Nelson Mandela Month serves as a reminder that leaders must remain connected to the communities they serve.
“When I arrived at the Legislature, I quickly realised the extent of the challenges facing our communities. We cannot afford to remain in our offices while our people are in need. We must be where our people are, listening to them, understanding their circumstances and working together to improve their lives.
“Nelson Mandela taught us that the true measure of leadership lies in serving others. Today’s visit is a demonstration of our commitment to restoring dignity and hope to the most vulnerable members of our society.”

The Legislature donated a refrigerator, washing machine, groceries, adult diapers and gardening equipment to assist the centre in improving the quality of care provided to its residents. Volunteers, Legislature staff and community members also participated in planting a vegetable garden that will contribute towards food security and sustainable nutrition for the elderly.

The visit formed part of the North West Provincial Legislature’s Nelson Mandela Month programme, which encourages acts of compassion and community service in honour of the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela.

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