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BUSINESS NEWS - Dairy company, Clover, has made a huge difference in the lives of about 30 ill and elderly people by upgrading an informal care facility in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay.

The company's social responsibility programme, Clover Mama Afrika, is the most lauded and awarded one in South Africa, having even received accolades from overseas.

PHOTO GALLERY: Clover Mama Afrika

Clover spent half a million rands upgrading the informal care facility, which consists of a home and a structure alongside it.

Pillar of the KwaNonqaba community, Maggie Nguta (64), has spent almost 20 years caring for people. Beloved Maggie is known to most locals by her first name.

Most of those she cares for are brought to her home in Gentswana Drive from Mossel Bay Provincial Hospital and most of them are bed-ridden, use wheelchairs and have to wear diapers.

Some do not even have a tongue, as it was cut out during a fight.

Before

State of need

It is extremely hard for Maggie to turn people away when they are brought to her in a desperate state of need.

Her mother, now deceased, used to care for needy people such as these. Maggie sees something special in each of her patients.

Professor Elain Vlok, manager: Clover Mama Afrika, says: "When Maggie's patients look at her, it is as of there is a light going on, as if they are looking at an angel. That is what she is to them - an angel."

Clover chief executive Johann Vorster said: "When we found out how tough things were for these elderly folk and ill patients in the cold winter, with not enough shelter, bedding and toiletries, it shocked us and struck us how such hardship often goes unnoticed. That’s why we decided to help. The incredible dedication and compassion of Maggie, despite all the challenges, showcasing just how selfless one person can be, motivated us to join in and assist."

Prof Vlok describes her first visit to Maggie: "There were no lights in the house. Most of the ceilings were gone. In the lounge where Maggie received me, was a primus stove with a pot, containing soup to feed all of those in her care that night.

"There were 15 men on worn-out beds in a corrugated iron room, and 16 women in a rented house, next to Maggie's house. There were not enough blankets for everyone."

Prof Vlok continues: "I left Maggie's house feeling rattled and miserable. I was not able to sleep, my mind racing with thoughts on how I could help her."

Repairs

Amazingly fast

Prof Vlok's first meeting with Maggie was on 4 July. The upgrade was done amazingly fast - in three months.

Builder, Carel Labuschagne, whom the professor describes as an "angel", did the following:

• Rubberising of the roof

• Replaced the wooden beams

• Added ceilings

• Painted all ceilings

• Cemented the floor to be of even height

• Made a proper ramp for the wheelchairs

• Varnished the old outside wooden doors

• Painted the iron security gates

Preparations

Carel found an electrician, who:

• Made the electrical wiring safe (the wiring was hazardous and unsafe)

• Added proper electrical wires

• Added new lights and switches

Clover employee Theuns Reinecke helped:

• With the rubberising material

• All paint brushes and rollers

• All paint pans

• Proper paint

Clover supplied the following for those in Maggie's care: wooden bed base; mattress; mattress protector; fitted sheet; flat sheet; duvet in a duvet cover; pillow in a pillow case; brand new, soft, warm blankets; bath towel; face cloth; cake of soap; toothbrush; and toothpaste.

Special launch

Prof Vlok arranged a special launch for Maggie and her associates, to celebrate the upgrading of the facility. Maggie invited people from the clinics, hospital and social workers to the launch. Prof Vlok managed to keep most of it a surprise because the men had been moved out of their room to Maggie's house.

She started singing, Die liefde van Jesus is wonderbaar, as soon as she saw everything that had been done by Clover.

One of the wheelchair users said: "Baie dankie. Ek waardeer dit." He beat his fist on his heart and said, "I feel it here."

Prof Vlok said: "I could not have received a better 'thank you'."

On behalf of the Mossel Bay Municipality the launch was attended by chairman: Community Services Niklaas Booisen and town councillor Thabo Mvumvu.

Maggie described Prof Vlok as a tsunami because of the gusto and energy with which she tackled the task.

Clover provided refreshments for the launch.

The launch: Maggie and Prof Vlok with some of the guests at the launch. 

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