Thembelisha Home seeks donations to continue vital care
The facility faces ongoing shortages of food, clothing, bedding, medical supplies, sanitiser, and toilet paper.
Thembelisha Home, situated in ward 11, Esperanza, Umzinto, is appealing for donations to help care for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
Founded in September 2024 by Zamafuze Ngcobo, the home was established to support people who cannot care for themselves due to illness, disability, or lack of family support.
It currently accommodates 20 residents, with approval for 22, including adults aged 18 and older living with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
The facility faces ongoing shortages of food, clothing, bedding, medical supplies, sanitiser, and toilet paper. Essential medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and glucose testing devices is also urgently needed. Infrastructure challenges add to the strain.
The home has no washing machine and relies on a single four-plate stove to prepare meals. The access road is in poor condition, preventing ambulances from reaching the facility.
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The building requires painting, there are no carpets, and additional ablution facilities are urgently needed, as men and women currently share two toilets and have no showers, relying on basins for bathing. Cupboards are also needed for food storage.
Basic furnishings, including beds, cupboards, and a television, are required. Improvements to the building and sanitation facilities are essential to ensure residents receive safe and dignified care.
Despite these challenges, the Thembelisha Home continues to provide comfort, care, and dignity to those in need. Community support through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness can help secure its future.
“The challenges are many, and we try our best to provide the best care for everyone. We have six caregivers who are often volunteers, as we cannot afford to pay them at times. We appeal to the community to assist us in any way that they can,” said Zamafuze. For more information or to assist, contact Zamafuze Ngcobo on 073-504-9879, 065-816-9062, or email [email protected].
