Khethimpilo celebrate life and culture

Langa-based non-profit organisation, Kheth'Impilo For All Generations and other stakeholders celebrated the efforts of health workers in the midst of challenges.

To mark the end of Heritage Month, the organisation and its local partners paid a tribute to volunteers and held a day event to appreciate and celebrate the and the staff who are at the frontlines of health care.

Wearing traditional attire, the volunteers sang and danced at the Gugas Thebe hall while speakers expressed appreciation for their tireless efforts to save lives.

Community health worker Nontembiso Makwetu said her organisation decided to celebrate Heritage by giving back to the people who play a huge part in making the townships a healthier during these hard times of disease, crime and extortion.

“We work in these communities so we are not immune to the crimes and diseases. Imagine walking up and down the streets with no protection in these bad times. We also have to deliver medicines to patients with tuberculosis, some with MDR, and we cannot put on things as if we are discriminating against them. So today is about us saying thank you. We want to show that we are people who also believe in our cultures,” she said.

She added that they were thankful for the kind gesture shown to them by Langa people, especially old age homes, police, local councillors and the local traditional chiefs.

“We thank them for the great gesture of bringing love to our staff. We are really appreciated in Langa. Here they are today to make our day a better day by celebrating with us,” she concluded.

She warned that the rate of tuberculosis in the township has taken another level. She called on community members to look after themselves.

Inkosi Chief Eric Galada praised the organisation.

“We thank God for them. They have been a revelation to the people of Langa,” he said.

Nolungile Senior Club’s chairwoman Mama Nonkonzo Kuta-Misheki said seniors no longer stood in long queues at clinics because of Kheth'Impilo. She said seniors are now able to get their tablets and medicines delivered to them for free.

“They are the true Florence Nightingales,” she said.

Langa police’s Sergeant Nonkosi Mapukata said it was good to celebrate these cultural events but said women should not fall prey to gender-based violence in the name of culture. She urged women to report what she said is a growing trend of incest rape.

“They should not allow any culture that says they should defend their families. Children raped by uncles, stepfathers, biological fathers, friends and whoever should be reported. Women should stop hiding such bad incidents,” she said.

She also urged men to speak out if they are abused in their marriages. The day ended in songs and dance.