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The “Mandela Day 2025 – 67 Gogos” initiative is calling for change that endures long after the day is done. Ikamva Labantu and Relate Bracelets have partnered to create a day to raise awareness and funds to change the lives of elders in townships. Participants on July 18 will join a group of Ikamva Labantu’s “Gogos” (grandmothers) for 67 minutes to bead bracelets while sharing stories and memories of Nelson Mandela.
Older women in townships often care for children and grandchildren due to a high unemployment rate. Their limited monthly pension of just over R2300 is insufficient to cover a family’s basic living costs. Ikamva Labantu’s recently published independent study on elder abuse in Cape Town’s townships, found elderly women are at greater risk of financial abuse. Their pensions are exploited by their own children and grandchildren, and they carry unwanted parental burden for young grandchildren. This results in older women being more impoverished.
Ikamva Labantu’s Senior Clubs provide essential healthcare, nutrition, as well as legal and social support. Relate Bracelets has been partnering since 2011 to provide seniors with the chance to augment their pension by beading cause-related bracelets at Ikamva Labantu’s Senior Clubs. Finally, Ikamva Labantu provides bedridden older adults with access to homecare services, rehabilitation assistance, as well as assistive and mobility devices.
Ishrene Davids, Director of Ikamva Labantu, says: “Older people fought in Apartheid to ensure a better future for the next generation, but many of them do not possess the equality and human rights they fought for. Our older people are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Ikamva Labantu works with the community to provide essential services and empowers elders who may otherwise be isolated and face abuse.”
“This Mandela Day we are raising awareness about our often-forgotten elders’ struggles. We call on society to recognise our elders’ on-going contribution to their community by helping create lasting change in their lives.”
Dalit Shekel, CEO of Relate Bracelets, says: “Relate Bracelets’ partnership with Ikamva Labantu is about honouring our Gogos – the grandmothers who have held families and communities together for decades. We’re proud to play a part in helping them earn with dignity, stay active and connected, and feel a renewed sense of purpose. This dignity first approach sits at the heart of everything we do. And every time someone chooses to wear a Relate bracelet, it’s a small act that keeps us all connected.”
The Ikamva Labantu and Relate Bracelet’s Mandela Day initiative has already raised over R100 000 towards supporting Ikamva Labantu’s 17 community-led Senior Clubs and homebased rehabilitative care for homebound elders, with corporates like Pam Golding Group, Sovereign Group and Spectacle World contributing.
If your company, school or community has not yet pledged 67 minutes, on July 18 you can donate non-perishable food items like canned food, rice, maize meal, cooking oil, sugar and coffee to Ikamva Labantu’s head office in Woodstock. These items will be distributed to Ikamva Labantu’s bedridden elders.
