Pretoria – A centre which was revamped and funded by the National Development Agency (NDA) is catering to the needs of the elderly near Polokwane.
Elderly people come to the centre on a daily basis to partake in recreational activities, socialise, get provided with a nutritious meal and have a safe place to stay until there are people in their homesteads.
The NDA, an agency of the Department of Social Development, has assisted the centre with the establishment of food security projects with the aim of promoting the creation of jobs within the community through broiler production.
Crops such as onions, mint, carrots, spinach, beetroot and cabbages are harvested and sold.
“We rely on the surrounding community everyday sales and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) pay points to keep the cooperative running. The poultry products are more popular and are our main source of income,” said Project Coordinator Abednego Mathebula.
The centre has an old age care facility, vegetable and broiler poultry farming.
“The Department of Agriculture came on board to assist with the water requirements and provided a water tank, irrigation drip system and increased broiler production,” NDA said.
The Department of Social Development provides daily subsidies for the elderly people’s meals.
The Independent Development Trust (IDT) has built a second chicken house for chicken egg laying production and the National Lottery continues to assist the centre with the day-to-day operations. – SAnews.gov.za
