MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Phelophepa train has a special place in certain people's hearts, not because it provided healthcare they could not otherwise afford, but because it gave them a job when they were desperate, vital training or a lifeline to take a new career path.
There are two Phelophepa trains which tour the country and Phelophepa 2 has been at the railway stop at the Mossel Bay harbour for the past two weeks.
Today, Friday 30 August is the last day it will be in town.
The trains, which are a Transnet service, have healthcare, eye and dental clinics and provide counselling and psychological services. Services are offered for an extremely small fee so that financially challenged community members may access healthcare. They are also offered free transport to the train from outlying areas.
This week four women told the Mossel Bay Advertiser their personal stories regarding how the healthcare train helped them. It is a fitting end to Women's Month.
Gadija Hassan.
Mossel Bay staff nurse Gadija Hassan (nee Graselda Mondo), who had worked as a policewoman, underwent two weeks' training in home-based care on the Phelophepa train.
Hassan is now based at the brand new healthcare clinic in Asla Park.
'Great opportunity'
She said: "The home-based care and first aid training that Phelophepa gave me in 2012/13 was a great opportunity and key to my starting straightaway with my first-year studies at Emmanuel Nursing College in Oudtshoorn. I had to have done some sort of training in home-based care in order to start immediately with the first year.
"I'm grateful to Phelopheha for opening my eyes and setting up a new career path for me.
"My passion is working with members of the community," Hassan says. "My love for people is my driving force."
"I had been a detective and resigned in 2006. I also have an Administration Diploma and did entrepreneurial studies at one stage.
Henriette Roarty.Henriette Roarty is a registered nurse who lives in Little Brak.
She said: "I did my nursing degree at RAU and graduated in 1998. I started my degree in 1995 and as part of our community nursing we had the opportunity to work on the train as students doing our practicals. I worked on the train in 1995, when it visited Mtubatuba and in 1998 I worked in Lichtenburg on the train.
'Fond memories'
"I have fond memories of the train, working in the community. I am currently a freelance nurse for insurance companies.
"With the train now visiting Mossel Bay, I'm helping out with the logistics of transporting and handling of the blood samples for the laboratory."
Thelma Satekge.
Thelma Satekge, a qualified optometrist, is manager of the eye clinic at the Phelophepa 2 train currently at the Mossel Bay harbour. She said it was a treat coming to Mossel Bay. "We don't always have the opportunity to be close to the beach when we visit towns."
She started on the train as a final year optometry student in 2008. "I qualified and since 2015 have been the eye clinic manager."
Nombuyiselo Miranda Mrwebo.
Nombuyiselo Miranda Mrwebo of KwaNonqaba is currently unemployed but has had the opportunity of working on the train for the two weeks it has been in Mossel Bay.
Psychology section
"It is very good experience," she said. "I've learnt a lot, as I'm working in the psychology section. I have done a counselling course and a course on how to handle crises. They teach you how to deal with both children and adults. I have learnt to relate to people of different nations and cultures. If you would like to employ me, call me on 073 355 2653." Mrwebo has extensive experience working with the public from her years in the retail clothing sector.
Phelophepa spokesperson Wajdi Abrahams said that without the assistance of the Mossel Bay Municipality, the train visit would not be possible.
Municipal spokesperson Colin Puren said: "Our personnel who work with public participation, help out and we also help with marketing the train on radio and at Integrated Development Planning (IDP) meetings.
"We got funds to help with transporting people who live outside town. Community services, socio-economic and rural development are our three departments which are highly involved in the train visit. We are fully supported by our council and municipal manager and the management of the municipality."
'Trein na Matjiesfontein'
If you were wondering if the train goes to Matjiesfontein, perhaps because you are reminded of the popular ditty by Sonja Herholdt, "Daar's 'n trein, toe-toe-toe toe-toe-toe ... 'n Trein na Matjiesfontein", the answer is no, it does not stop there.
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