Sadly, urbanisation and the loss of traditional culture have led to an erosion of family and community values for many families living in squatter camps or informal settlements. Some of the people who suffer most are the elderly. Many of them have to support grandchildren on their meagre pensions; others have been abandoned by their families, abused or neglected.

The Indlovu Elders Group meets daily in the community centre for breakfast, a cup of tea, a chat and a game or two. Knitting, crochet work and other handwork materials are provided, as well as musical instruments. Most of the members are involved in producing our own range of handmade, true to life dolls dressed in traditional outfits from every nation in South Africa.

At lunchtime the elders enjoy a hot meal.

Some of the elders volunteer as storytellers in the crèche and youth centre passing on traditional stories and songs to the younger generation. All these stories are recorded and from the basis of book on traditional South African stories we hope to publish in 2009.

Volunteers specialising in geriatric care are very welcome to assist our elders group.