Thungela’s Zibulo Colliery officially handed over newly built and refurbished facilities to the Zamelani Abadala Centre for the Aged as part of their social and labour plan (SLP). The centre provides care and support for 120 elderly people in the Lebohang and Leandra communities in the Govan Mbeki Municipality. In addition, the dedicated volunteers also provide home-based care for over 60 elders who are unable to visit the centre.
At the centre, the elderly are served with nutritional meals, and are encouraged to exercise and participate in sports activities, adult education, and crafts in a relaxed and safe environment. The R3.2 million centre boasts a consultation and examination room where the Department of Health and Social Development provides healthcare and social services. It also has a fully equipped kitchen, bathing facilities, offices for on-site caregivers, a dining hall, and a greenhouse for vegetable gardening.
This SLP is in line with our impact goal of enhancing services and improving the quality of life within host communities. The construction of the centre was awarded to a host community supplier, Nothas Enterprise. More than 20 community members were employed during the construction of the centre. Eight other local companies carried out various other services including landscaping, plumbing, glass fitting, electric work, security and transportation.
Eugene Moremi, Zibulo Colliery general manager, said: “These facilities have not only transformed the physical space of the centre, but has also brought renewed hope, dignity, and comfort for the elderly residents. For many, the centre is more than just a place of care, it’s a community where they can find companionship and support. We could not have done it alone and are grateful for the collaboration that has brought this project to life. This is how we are creating value together, for a shared future.”
During his keynote address at the ceremony, executive mayor of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, Councillor Nhlakanipho Zuma, stated, “This refurbishment project at the Zamelani Abadala Aged Group Centre highlights the importance of investing in our communities. We are grateful to Thungela for not only improving the living conditions of our elderly residents but also for empowering local enterprises and contractors from our municipality to do the same.”
In expressing his appreciation, Abednego Lukhele, chairperson of Zamelani Abadala Aged Group, remarked on the significance of the newly developed facilities. He noted the project as an achievement not only for the elderly but also the staff of local volunteers who support them. “The upgrades of the facilities will allow us to deliver essential services with dignity and respect to our elderly and also promote a sense of belonging,” said Lukhele.
Previously, the centre operated from two four-room houses, which included a simple office, storeroom, kitchen, and bathroom facilities, with a separate small dining hall for men. An asbestos building served as a dining hall, which required the residents to split into groups for meals and indoor activities.
ENDS