Visit to Society for the Destitute Aged (S.O.D.A)

On Monday 22^nd of April 2013, I visited the Society for the Destitute Aged (SODA) in Highfield. I did not go alone; however, I was accompanied by Mrs. Pauline Mapuvire the Parade’s Miss Global Zimbabwe model director, Mr. Godfrey Munetsi the Parade’s photographer and journalist as well as the Trauma Centre and Hospital Harare emergency rescue team. Here’s how it all came about and what took place during the visit.

As I got word out on my project, I received support from various stakeholders. The first was Mr. and Mrs. Moyo on behalf of Measil Traders, a first aid distribution company. We joined forces and came up with a campaign to improve disaster preparedness in Zimbabwe and not forgetting the elderly in the same light. During the 2013 edition of the Home and Garden expo in Harare, we were raising awareness on the importance of first aid and we had a special offer which allowed a 20% discount to anybody/ company that would donate an emergency first aid kit to an Old Aged Home of their choice (and the offer is still running to this day). This is where I met Ms. Zarina Dudhia the Hospital Manager of Trauma Centre and Hospital Harare who pledged a donation. Various other pledges came through and the response was positive.

To assist with the project, i decided it would be a good idea to bring Help Age Zimbabwe on board. Mrs P. Gavi, the managing director of Help Age Zimbabwe, as well as her staff members were very supportive in providing information on the aged homes in Zimbabwe and to set up communication with SODA.

Upon arrival to SODA, on the 22^nd of April, we could see how the residents were surprised to see unfamiliar faces. I would say it took them by surprise and they did not know what exactly to expect. Introductions were made and the two groups began to form a relationship, getting to know each other.
The home Matron, Mai Mukize, is a very bubbly character with a warm motherly energy about her. I knew this to be fact at the time by how the residence were speaking to her, calling her ‘’amai’’ with inviting smiles and a sense of trust they exuded – just like a mother I thought.

As we sat down to know more, Mai Mukize told us how the home was started in the 60s by the late John Njerere and the late Raphael Mushonga. The official opening was done in 1982 and the late Princess of Wales, Princess Diana paid a visit to the home in 1993. The home has a carrying capacity of 50 people but currently houses 22 residents. These residents are allocated homes by the Social Welfare, depending on their condition whether they are self-reliant or not. There are a total of 9 staff members including cook, cleaners, guards and matron.

The home has many needs as we could see and as Mai Mukize was telling us. Some of these needs are as follows and not limited to:

• ·         Painting of the buildings, both inside and outside
• ·         A television set and radio for the communal room
• ·         Clothes for the residents, especially now that it’s almost winter
• ·         Cutlery, pots and other kitchen utensils
• ·         Cleaning products
• ·         A new pipe that runs from the borehole to the bathrooms for hot water
• ·         Paintings or art pieces to decorate the home
• ·         Cleaning up the yard, especially clearing the litter outside the gate by the entrance
• ·         Food provisions
• ·         Limited number of staff

What touched my heart about this home were the different backgrounds that the residents have. Some of them are foreigners who came to Zimbabwe in search of work in the dawn of the industrial boom. Countries include Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and even Tanzania. They have adapted really well to Zimbabwe and passionately love it. I sat down to hear some of the stories of how they ended up here and where they worked. It was amazing and a beautiful experience, imagining a different time and listening to these experiences.
They are all just adorable and the smiles on their faces were priceless, especially when it came to having their blood pressure checked by the Trauma Centre representatives. An absolute joy to watch.

It definitely won’t be the last time I visit them and next time I would like to bring more new faces and new ears to listen to their tales of adventure and sometimes sorrow but always triumph.
I hope you will join me as we continue to spread joy to our elderly community!