In 2018 and 2019, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the deep rural landscapes of the Eastern Cape, particularly in Maluti. During my stay, I engaged with numerous resilient grannies and worked on various programs and projects with them.
From growing little chicks to full chickens, prayer and a sense of community were being propelled. Little did I know that a harrowing incident would unfold, prompting me to launch a program that would address a fundamental need among these elderly Gogos.
Upon my return to Eastern Cape Maluti six months later, I discovered that one of the grannies, an 84-year-old woman, had fallen victim to a horrific crime. She had been raped by a 27-year-old assailant. This heartbreaking revelation shed light on a pervasive issue in the region: the absence of indoor toilets for elderly residents. The incident catalysed the inception of a transformative initiative – The MaSokhulu Indoor Program.
During my visits, I observed that many grannies in these areas lacked indoor toilets, forcing them to venture outside even during the late hours of the night. The incident involving the 84-year-old granny, who was attacked while trying to close the door after coming from the outdoor toilet, underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to this problem.
The Given Group Foundation set out on its first mission to build toilets for grannies who were 80 years of age and older and lived in remote areas out of a desire to make a real difference. Our initial focus is on Maluti in the Eastern Cape, where we implement 100 indoor toilets.
The MaSokhulu Indoor Program, named in memory of the grandmother who endured a tragic incident (MaSokhulu), aims to provide dignified and secure sanitation facilities for elderly individuals in rural communities. Each toilet unit costs approximately ZAR20,000 and is equipped with essential amenities, including a toilet seat, sink, taps, a water pump, and a Jojo tank. Beyond providing vital sanitation infrastructure, the program has also created employment opportunities. Currently, five families in the Eastern Cape benefit from job opportunities, with four diggers and one project head actively involved in constructing these essential facilities.
As we press forward with the MaSokhulu Indoor Program, we invite individuals, organizations, and businesses to join us in our mission. A contribution of ZAR20,000 builds one complete toilet, while ZAR100,000 funds the construction of five toilets. Together, we can enhance the health, hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of our elderly population, ensuring they no longer endure the vulnerability of venturing outside late at night.
The MaSokhulu Indoor Program represents more than just infrastructure development; it signifies a commitment to restoring dignity, providing safety, and creating opportunities for those who have spent a lifetime contributing to their communities. Join us on this transformative journey as we work towards a future where every elderly individual can enjoy the basic human right of safe and dignified sanitation.
For more information, email: editor@csrnews.africa.
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