Laudium Care Services for the Aged (LCSA) marked and celebrated International Mandela Day on Monday (July 18), at the Bhidia Center on 2nd Ave, Laudium.
The event was graced by a packed auditorium of seniors and various community and political leaders. Amongst those who attended were; His Excellency, Mr Kanat Tumysh, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Oscar Mathafa, Member of Parliament National Assembly, Cultural Attache of the Embassy of Federal Republic of Somalia, Abdi Halane Hirsi, and Councillors Kenny Masha and Innocent Thabatha, from Olivenhoutbosch.
The unveiling of the LCSA Empowerment Center was the highlight of the program. About 150 guests were entertained with a laughing therapy session conducted by Jayesh Bhana. “The seniors were in stitches,” said Hasina Azmuth, MC for the event.
Ahmed Arbee, chairperson of the LCSA commended the seniors for their contributions and emphasized taking care of seniors and juniors in line with what Madiba emphasized. Mrs Silverani Kollapen, Chairperson of the Empowerment Project, explained the founding of the Empowerment Centre. Several of the seniors had already sewn some amazing products which will be marketed and the proceeds will be going towards the LCSA as well as those involved in preparing products.
Awqaf SA CEO, Zeinoul Abedien Cajee, explained the concept of Waqf and emphasized the notion of charitable giving in Islam as well as in other religions. Awqaf SA sponsored 4 industrial sewing machines to the LCSA for the Empowerment Center. Cajee also acknowledged the donated use of the Bhidia Centre. He also cited the Darul Aceze Centre in Istanbul that was built 120 years ago under the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid where residents worked on art, knitting, carpet weaving, manufacturing socks and other productive activities.
AWQAF SA trustee and board member Haroon Kalla announced a R50,000 WAQF fund for the new sanitary pad manufacturing project for the LCSA that is being spearheaded by the Empowerment Team of very dedicated volunteers.
Haseena Azmuth announced that she was planning an innovative roadshow commencing in KZN through to Gauteng visiting a number of informal settlements sensitizing the needs and distributing hygienic products including sanitary pads in the informal settlements.
Other dignitaries included Justice Jody Kollapen (Honorary Member LCSA), Haroon Kalla representing Amka and Yusuf Essa (Choppie) who sponsored the meal for the 120 seniors in attendance.
