Mowana

08/10/2026

Older Adults Awareness!

Thuthuka Mathe and the two social auxiliary workers, Zama and Sandiso, did a talk on Healthy Ageing at the Thamboville Social Club on Tuesday ,6th October 2026. Below is an indication of their focus areas.

Physical Activity: Walking, stretching, gardening, and chair exercises help maintain strength, balance, and mobility. Activities should be adapted to each person’s health and abilities.

Healthy Nutrition:Older adults need nutritious meals even when they require fewer calories. Vegetables, fruit, beans, eggs, fish, whole grains and sufficient water support strength and immunity.

Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Music, arts & crafts, learning, and storytelling keep the mind active. Purpose may come from family responsibilities, faith, gardening, mentoring, or helping others.

Social Connection :Family, friends, neighbours, faith groups, and community organizations reduce loneliness. Social activities provide companionship, emotional support, and a sense of belonging.

Preventive Healthcare: Regular check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, eye tests, hearing assessments, and medication reviews help detect problems early by engaging with local clinics and hospitals. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and high blood pressure should be managed.

Nevashni Chetty
Social Work Manager

07/10/2026

Pop along this Saturday ......

And so the count down begins 🥰 come and join us for a lovely morning, variety of stalls, food and Live Entertainment by Jan Swart 🎶

01/10/2026

International Day of Older Persons 2026

International Day of Older Persons, observed globally on 1st October 2026, is an opportunity to recognize the value, dignity and contributions of older adults. It reminds us that ageing is a natural part of life and that older adults should not be viewed only as people who need care. Their roles as parents, grandparents, workers, caregivers, mentors, community members and holders of knowledge and experience should be revered. Active and healthy ageing means supporting their physical health, mental well-being, social relationships, independence and sustaining their participation in society.

The 2026 theme, “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the fact that people globally are living longer and that societies must adapt to this change. Longer life spans create opportunities for learning, family connection, social contribution and personal fulfilment, but these opportunities depend on access to appropriate healthcare, social protection, safe housing and financial security. In South Africa, this includes ensuring that older adults can access the Older Persons Grant, essential services and community-based support without experiencing poverty, neglect or exclusion. It also requires the effective implementation of the Older Persons Amendment Act 1 of 2025, which strengthens the protection of people aged 60 and older. Affordable and accessible healthcare, home-based care and psychosocial services are particularly important for older adults living with chronic illness, disability or mental health challenges.

This day is also a reminder that healthy ageing is a shared responsibility. Healthy ageing can be promoted through regular physical activity, eating nutritious food, preventive healthcare, emotional support and opportunities for social participation. Families, communities, caregivers, social workers, organizations and governments must work together to help older adults age safely, healthily and with dignity, respect and a sense of belonging. A longer life span should not simply mean more years; it should mean more years lived with purpose, connection and value. By rethinking the way society plans for ageing, we can help ensure that every older person is respected and given the opportunity to live well. Mowana Communities NPC promotes healthy and active ageing through person directed support, social activities, community support and services that help older adults remain independent, connected and involved.

Nevashni Chetty
Social Work Manager- Mowana

21/09/2026

Today, 21 September, marks World Alzheimer’s Day, a key moment within World Alzheimer’s Month. This year's global theme is: “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters.”

While a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, families do not have to walk this path alone. Here are four practical pillars of support:

* Act at the first signs of memory loss by encouraging early testing. Early diagnosis is the key to accessing medical interventions and building a support network that can help delay the progression of the illness.

* Engage in open, honest, and compassionate conversations about cognitive changes. This helps break the stigma and ensures your loved one feels deeply supported rather than ashamed.

* Secure the future early by planning. Outline clear medical care plans and settle financial and legal arrangements while your loved one can still actively participate in executive decisions.

* Prioritize holistic care for caregivers (both formal and informal). Equip yourself with the right tools, knowledge, and resources. You can reach out to the Mowana Communities NPC Social Work Team at 033 345 4711 for professional guidance and counselling.

Remember, behind every Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a profound story of love, enduring memories, and hope. Hold tightly to those shared moments—they are the light that will carry you and your family through the deepest, darkest days.

Nevashni Chetty
Social Work Manager- Mowana

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18/09/2026

A fun event looking to raise funds ...

They would appreciate donations to help them keep the event costs down;
* Vouchers, lucky draw prizes, hampers.
* Cash donations for food and decor

🎸✨ GET READY TO ROCK, ROLL & MAKE A DIFFERENCE! ✨🎸
Sunnyside Village invites you to turn back the clock and join us for an unforgettable Rock ’n’ Roll Charity Dance! 💃🕺 Dress up in your favourite rock ’n’ roll style, bring your dancing shoes and get ready for a night filled with great music, fun, laughter and fantastic vibes — all while supporting a wonderful cause. ❤️ Enjoy our auction, exciting lucky-draw prizes and cash bar, and help us make a difference in the lives of those we care for.

📅 Saturday, 7 November 2026
⏰ 17:30 for 18:00
🎟️ Tickets: R200 per person
📞 Bookings: 033 344 1581
📱 WhatsApp: 076 022 2808

Come dressed to impress, bring your friends and family, and LET’S ROCK FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW! 🤘❤️

18/08/2026

Feel Connected and Thrive in Our Fully Supported Care Centres

When older adults need a full range of support (physical, psychological and social) we recommend a move to one of our Care Centres. Here, residents are invited to make the space their home. The gardens and lounges are great spaces in which to enjoy nature and community. We encourage residents to pursue interests, have family and friends to visit and go on outings. We tailor programmes and activities according to each person's interests to help promote their independence and support their physical and cognitive abilities while enjoying their passions and hobbies.

With a nursing team around the clock and on-site security, you can relax knowing that you have access to the kind or level of support needed.

We see residents thrive as they become part of the community. They feel connected and, with the assistance of both staff and other residents, they join in. In many instances, we see them become increasingly independent. It's a new beginning.

Fully Supported Living is available at Greendale Care Centre (Howick), and Sunnyside Village (PMB), Villa Assumpta (PMB) and Woodgrove Village (PMB).

Learn more or get in touch by visiting our website https://mowana.org

01/07/2026

On Show at Woodgrove Village - Mowana

26/06/2026

MOWANA HOME BASED CARERS PROJECT

The Mowana Project employs a Social Worker who supervises two Social Auxiliary Workers. Each Social Auxiliary Worker is responsible for a team of 20 qualified and trained home-based caregivers. In turn, each caregiver provides support to 20 clients within their designated area.

The project comprises a total of 20 caregivers operating across two wards, namely Ward 39 and Ward 8. These caregivers are evenly distributed, with 10 assigned to each ward. The wards cover communities in Pietermaritzburg, specifically Emaswazini and Elandskop.

Overall, the project serves 400 elderly individuals living with conditions such as dementia, arthritis, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses. Beneficiaries receive daily assistance from caregivers, including support with food security, rehabilitation, and general care services.

The project is scheduled to run from 2025 to 2027.

Food security
Between February 2026 and April 2026, more than 300 elderly clients living with chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, and dementia received food parcels through the project.

In addition, over the past quarter, more than 200 elderly individuals have had their blood pressure monitored and have received ongoing care and support from the project’s caregivers.

Rehabilitation
The project also incorporates rehabilitation activities, including organised outings for elderly participants to locations such as waterfalls, as well as participation in marathon awareness campaigns that promote improved health and wellbeing.

In addition, every Monday, beneficiaries are taken outside their homes to experience a change of environment and access fresh air. These excursions are designed to provide relief from daily routines, support mental wellbeing, and encourage broader social engagement.

Care and support
The project team comprises two Social Auxiliary Workers and one Social Worker. The team is responsible for ensuring the provision of rehabilitation services, care, and emotional support to elderly individuals within the communities served by the project, working in close supervision of the designated caregivers.

Furthermore, the team ensures that appropriate services are delivered to elderly individuals who have experienced abuse, whether financial, emotional, spiritual, or physical in nature. They also facilitate the placement of frail, physically challenged, or immobile individuals who are unable to manage their daily routines independently, ensuring they receive the necessary level of care and support.

05/03/2026

We are having an On Show....