By Sbongile Sokela
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we honour women who are changing lives in their communities. One such woman is Nomvula Sibanyoni, the founder and leader of the Ratanang Elderly Organisation, based in KwaThema.
Ratanang was launched in 2015, but Nomvula’s journey started much earlier. She began by going door to door, visiting elderly grandmothers in her community, washing their feet, and offering comfort. Along the way, she discovered heartbreaking realities, hunger, neglect, and even cases where grandchildren took their grandparents’ money.
“I started a garden and planted vegetables for them. Every Wednesday, I would make soup for the elderly, using the money I earned from selling at schools,” she said.
As the number of people in need grew, so did Ratanang. Nomvula and her team began celebrating birthdays for the elderly. “We once celebrated an old lady’s 80th birthday. We each contributed R50, bought meat and cake, and I made salads. It brought so much joy,” she recalled.
Nomvula’s efforts were recognised in 2014 when she was nominated for the Sara’s Daughter Award, which honoured 10 community workers in KwaTsaDuza. That same year, social workers discovered her work and encouraged her to study leadership at a local skills centre.
“I didn’t believe in myself because I was told I’m useless, not educated, and can’t speak. I used to bottle things up. But working with the elderly boosted my confidence and gave me purpose. For the first time, I shared my past in our support groups at school. It changed my life,” she said.
For the elderly members, Ratanang is more than just a meeting place, it’s a family. Catherine Mngadi, a member, shared: “We are happy to be part of Ratanang because every Wednesday we come here to enjoy with other old ladies. We sing, dance, and do many activities. It makes us happy.”
Recently, Nomvula also launched a new organisation under Ratanang called the Khanyanathi Organisation, which supports mothers whose children are victims of substance abuse, especially drugs.
“We often talk about the children who use drugs, but what about their mothers or parents? It also affects them. I saw a need for this organisation because there are many women out there who are scared to talk about this, but this is a safe space. They will get the help they need,” Nomvula said.
Nomvula is now appealing for sponsorships or funding to help both Ratanang and Khanyanathi continue their work. “Our elderly deserve dignity, care, and joy, and our mothers need support and healing too,” she said.
Contact Details: For sponsorships, donations, or more information, please contact Nomvula at 079 839 8592 or send an email :annasibanyoni298@gmail.com
