Bessie Makatini Foundation

19/04/2026

We are proud to introduce the first Dementia Champions in Lamontville, Durban!
Recruited through our awareness programme in churches and on the streets, these dedicated community members have committed to deepening their understanding of dementia. They will help share knowledge, support those affected, and reduce stigma within the community.
An important step toward greater awareness, compassion, and local support.

13/04/2026

We are pleased to host the final session of our Spring Dementia Webinar Series: Advanced Dementia – Communication and De-escalation.

🗓 Sunday, 19 April
🕔 5:00 PM (UK BST) / 6:00 PM (South Africa)

This session will be led by Dr. Marta Dugonjic (East London NHS Trust), who will share practical insights informed by clinical experience and research.

The webinar is open to caregivers, family members, healthcare professionals, and community members.

We warmly encourage you to register and to share this invitation within your networks.

Join our Spring Dementia Webinar series, designed to improve understanding and care for people living with dementia.

10/04/2026

Join us this Sunday at 5PM (UK BST) / 6PM (South Africa) for our third Spring Dementia Webinar: Common Complications in Dementia Patients.

Dr. Marta Dugonjic (East London NHS Trust) will share practical insights from clinical experience and research. There will also be an opportunity to share stories of caring for someone with dementia.

All caregivers, families, healthcare professionals and community members are welcome.

Join our Spring Dementia Webinar Series, designed to improve understanding and care for people living with dementia.

14/01/2026

The Bessie Makatini Foundation is looking for a compassionate and organised Dementia Outreach Worker to join our team in Lamontville, based at Langa Place.

This is a meaningful opportunity to work directly with families and older people affected by dementia, raising awareness, supporting caregivers, coordinating referrals, and helping strengthen community-based care.

**Role details**

15–20 hours per week (flexible, incl. occasional evenings/weekends)

12-month fixed-term contract (renewable)

Competitive part-time stipend

Laptop/tablet, mobile phone, airtime & data provided

**What you’ll do**

Deliver dementia awareness activities and community outreach

Support intake assessments and referrals with the clinical team

Help manage records, reporting, and social media updates

Engage caregivers and support groups with empathy and care

👥 Who we’re looking for

Background in social work, community health, nursing, psychology, or related field (or relevant admin experience)

Experience working with older adults and/or cognitive impairment

Strong communication skills (English essential; isiZulu/isiXhosa desirable)

Digitally confident, organised, and community-minded

📩 How to apply

Send your CV, a one-page cover letter, and two referees to
[email protected]

📌 Subject line: Application — Dementia Outreach Worker

🗓 Applications close: 19 January 2026

BMF is an equal opportunity employer. Safeguarding and pre-employment checks apply.

👉 Please share this post to help us reach someone who would be perfect for this role. Together, we can support families living with dementia.

04/10/2024

may have ended but we are pleased to be able to welcome Clinical Psychologist Nompilo Khanyile to join us for a webinar on Understanding and Managing Dementia this Sunday 6th October at 1pm (UK) and 2pm (South Africa).

Details of how to join the webinar are below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84910682396?pwd=fBD16aMykQuNjvJb3BjuRwLUQvxh6S.1

Meeting ID: 849 1068 2396

Passcode: 531520

We look forward to seeing you there!

28/09/2024

We are pleased to be hosting our third and final hashtag webinar with Dr. Martina McCarthy this coming Sunday at 1pm (UK), 2pm (South Africa) and 8pm (Malaysia).

Details on how to join the call are below, we look forward to joining you there!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89149899634?pwd=4y2PzREFuXZIEJXowKQShiEfT0H4G2.1
Meeting ID: 891 4989 9634
Passcode: 428848

14/09/2024

📢 Join Us for a Special Webinar Series for World Alzheimer's Month! 🧠

The Bessie Makatini Foundation is hosting a series of insightful webinars over the coming weeks to raise awareness and support for those affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Our first webinar kicks off tomorrow with Dr Cecilia Chan, who will present "Breaking the Stigma & Debunking the Myths of Dementia: The Malaysian Experience."

🗓️ Date: 15th September Tomorrow
🕒 Time: 2pm (South African Time), 8pm (Malaysian Time)

https://lnkd.in/eaRwmz-q
Meeting ID: 846 9758 8861
Passcode: 423864

We will be also be hosting two further webinars later this month, be sure to join and learn from our speakers as they cover a range of important topics.

22nd September - Top Tips: Caring for yourself whilst caring for a person with Dementia with Dr. Michelle Hamill
29th September - Dementia: Back to Basics with Dr Martina McCarthy

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

14/04/2024

Join us this evening for the latest edition of our webinar series , focusing on Healthy Aging and Medication with Dr. Curtis Osborne at 6pm (South African Time). Details and a link for joining the Zoom session can be found below.

Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81016481029?pwd=c3NnNHo2TGNHS1RQc284Zk5KWkxQZz09

Meeting ID: 810 1648 1029
Passcode: 634091

25/09/2023

Last Saturday, we hosted a Symposium to mark at the Durban Manor Hotel & Conference Centre. The event was a great success with attendees including Government representatives and healthcare professionals as well as families and carers of people living with dementia.

🧠💡 Dementia is a complex and often misunderstood condition, and it was heartwarming to see so many of you come together with a shared commitment to learn, grow, and make a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia. The insightful discussions, questions, and shared experiences truly showcased the strength of our collective dedication.

🤝 Special thanks go out to our incredible speakers and experts including the MEC for Social Development, Mrs. Nonhlanhla Khoza, Khanyo Ntokozo Ngcobo, Leanne-Barker Cobb, Felicity Crouch, Siziphiwe Myeni, Bilkish Cassim and the Memory Clinic team from Chief Luthuli Hospital who generously shared their knowledge and expertise. The presentations were not only informative but also deeply inspiring, and we are grateful for their valuable contributions.

Let's keep the conversation going! As we move forward, we encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts, experiences, and resources related to dementia education. Together, we can drive greater awareness and foster a more compassionate and informed society.

03/09/2023

Join us this evening for a World Alzheimer's Month education webinar with Dr. Marta Dugonjic at 6pm (South African Time). Details and a link for joining the Zoom session can be found below.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89936894828?pwd=Q1RMK2ZRK3lnNkFDSU0wbGhCZENoUT09

Meeting ID: 899 3689 4828
Passcode: 130464