Maggie Nguta has taken care of people who most need it for decades. In her own golden years, she’s running a home for the disabled with the little that she has. Maggie’s story caught the attention of someone who could help, and more importantly, actually decided to:
Kwanonqaba, South Africa (01 December 2023) – Maggie Nguta is a gem of generosity in her community. At 64 years old, she runs a home for people struggling with disabilities, and for 20 years before this, Maggie’s mission has seen her take care of those in need as much as possible.
This is not someone who has a wealth of resources, either. Still, with what she has, Maggie has paid it forward; making her home a safe haven for those who most need it.
There, she cares for people unable to walk, who wear adult incontinence wear and come from the local hospital when they can no longer be cared for there.
Maggie’s story caught the attention of people like Prof Elain Vlok. Initially, Prof Vlok went to screen Maggie for a corporate upskilling programme. But, because of key requirements that were not met (an age cap and having a capable successor), Maggie could not move on in the application process.
However, this did not deter Prof Vlok from wanting to help Maggie.
“When I arrived to meet Maggie, I was taken aback by the state of the facility. There were no lights, ceilings were falling in, and the food set out for that evening’s dinner didn’t look capable of filling the tummies of so many people,” shared Prof Vlok.
Still, despite its state, this home was all many people had to rely on.
“That evening, I couldn’t sleep. Maggie was trying so hard to care for these vulnerable people with physical challenges but had such few resources,” adds Prof Vlok.
Things like the home not having enough blankets, needing more hands on deck to maintain its upkeep and safety essentials not being in place plagued her. Additionally, Maggie’s home had a leaking roof among other challenges.
So, Prof Vlok pushed to make a change.
After getting support from her colleagues even though Maggie couldn’t be part of the upskilling programme, the mission was on to turn the home around.
Soon, the roof was fixed, the safety issues handled, electrical problems sorted out and new life breathed into the home with fresh paint. Maggie’s home also got a much-needed wheelchair ramp, and of course, proper beds, new bedding and toiletry essentials.
“This project touched all our hearts, when you witness the efforts of Maggie to help those in her care, it is impossible to leave the home in dire straits,” Prof Vlok reflects.
The upgrades were soon unveiled to Maggie’s immense thrill and became a beacon of hope in the Kwanonqaba community. Years of giving all she had, had finally paid off. And, all of this was thanks to one person who could’ve kept matters in a ‘business as usual’ mindset but pushed for something that will change many lives.
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