Tafta seniors embrace technology

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Tafta is helping its residents ‘stay connected’, with the launch of Media Centres at six establishments. Whether it’s online shopping, research, or just keeping in touch with family through social media, Skype and email, the new centres are proving a hit with residents. “Internet usage among the 65+ age group is growing,” says Tafta CEO Femada Shamam. “It’s an important way of bridging the gap between them and loved ones far away, re-connecting with friends from long ago, and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.” Elsa Maree (71), who lives […]
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A community where elders are valued

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No matter how old we are or what challenges we live with, life is about continuing to grow; this is the philosophy behind the Eden Alternative, which promotes a different model of elder care, being embraced by Tafta. In older traditions of aged care, the elderly were treated as frail; as if they were ill, decisions were made for them and they were housed in sterile institutions where they were passive recipients of care. The Eden Alternative strives to create elder-centred communities that instead encourage meaningful interactions with plants, animals, […]
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What TAFTA means to me

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“Every day I say thank you to God for the many blessings and the strength to get up and do things for myself,” says Sally Nareen – a resident of Tafta Lodge. 76 -year-old Sally has lived at Tafta for 15 years, and she couldn’t be happier. Her colourful room with its wall of family photos is a reflection of her energetic and vibrant personality. She walks to uShaka and the local supermarket, goes to gym three times a week, and participates in activities like dancing, bingo, bowls and table […]
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Diary Dates

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February: Tafta 60th flag hoisting events planned at each of our residential homes. March: A 60th Birthday Cake Cutting ceremony will be held at all Tafta residences. May: Tafta’s Annual Golf Day! Book now to join us for the day or get involved by donating prizes or sponsoring a tee or hole. Mother’s Day: Tafta will mark this extremely special event at all Tafta homes with commemorative events. June: The campaign against the abuse of vulnerable elders will once again be symbolically supported by Tafta staff and elders with our […]
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Providing services … creating jobs

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Over the past four years, Tafta has created many opportunities for women to train as highly sought after Carers. Introduced in 2014, our three-month Care Practitioner training course includes theory, practical training and written exams to ensure trainees have the knowledge and skills to tend to the needs of the elderly. More importantly, the training also focuses on the humanitarian aspects of the role – instilling the importance of treating elders with kindness and dignity, knowing that for many, a Tafta home might be their last home. “Our training offers […]
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Healing power of a garden

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For some reason, elders and gardens just seem to go together. Our residents love spending time outdoors – perhaps it’s because they have more time just to sit and enjoy fresh air, flowers and trees, the hum of bees and birdsong. But for those who live in the City, especially those who are confined to wheelchairs or who can only get about with the help of a walking frame, opportunities to visit a garden are few and far between. So there was great excitement when plans for a terrace garden […]
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Message from our CEO, Femada Shamam

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It is a humbling experience to pen this message for our 60th anniversary. The Tafta story is built on a vision of a better life for older people and, over the past six decades, there have been many great people who helped deliver on this vision. Our group of committed volunteers, who to this day continue to support Tafta, worked, and continue to work, tirelessly in every section of the organisation. Special mention must be made of those who served on our board of management and those who now serve […]
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Volunteers, staff and friends have their say

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“I think it’s a wonderful thing to be able to help other people.” Anne Foxcroft, Meals on Wheels ‘hopper’ for the past 20 years “Years ago, when Tafta was looking for volunteers to deliver meals to housebound elderly people I thought, ‘I can do that!” Over 20 years later, Anne is still a valued member of our Meals on Wheels volunteer team. She enjoys helping people who can’t get out and about themselves and has a soft spot for elderly people who don’t have children. “It’s more difficult when you […]
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Leave a smile behind

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Planning for a future beyond your own can bring great satisfaction – as these two Tafta supporters have discovered. Although Mrs Botha* has worked in Durban for many years as a registered nurse, before coming to live at Lucas Gardens eight years ago, she had never heard of Tafta. “I fell in love with this beautiful place and knew it would be my ‘forever home’,” she says. Thinking about the future, and realising how much Tafta does to make life easier for the elderly, Mrs Botha decided to leave a […]
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Last word from former CEO, Margie Smith

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The odds of success have always been stacked against anyone who sets out to help those who are unable to afford to pay their way. It takes brave and compassionate souls to step into the breach. In the early days, Tafta’s workforce was mainly volunteers, who provided meals and food parcels to the poor and elderly people of Durban. The organisation was founded on the simple precept that care should be given to those who have no way of caring for themselves. This is the driving force that has brought […]
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