Vrededorp, Johannesburg – October 8, 2024: Today marked a remarkable day for the elderly residents of the Caroline Street Old Age Village, who had the honor of being serviced by a mobile clinic that provided them with critical medical check-ups. Many of these residents face significant healthcare challenges, often going without the attention they desperately need.
Shakiera Tayob, Executive Director and Chief Editor of the Fordsburg Independent, alongside her husband, Mohamed Ebrahim, CEO of the Fordsburg Independent, regularly assists the Vrededorp, Fietas, and Jan Hofmeyer old age homes and the community at large. Their commitment to these communities includes providing monthly grocery hampers, sanitary and dignity packs, water tank projects, free ambulance services through Rescue 786, distribution of 5-liter bottled water, and assistance in bringing the Roshnee Team water tanker to fill up water in the area. Their ongoing efforts have made them beloved figures within the community, especially to the elderly residents, who see Shakiera and Mohamed as their go-to people for any need.
Recognizing the urgent medical needs of the community, Shakiera reached out to Ismail Lambat from Ashraful Aid, who connected her with the organization’s CEO, Ml. Suhail Wadee. Suhail was extremely forthcoming, offering Ashraful Aid’s full support for free medical screenings and treatment for the elderly. This mobile clinic, donated to Ashraful Aid on the 12th of September by the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT), has become an essential resource in addressing the dire healthcare needs of these vulnerable residents.
Ashraful Aid, an international humanitarian organization, provides critical support to vulnerable groups, including children, women, the elderly, and refugees, through various programs and initiatives. Their work in healthcare, food security, and disaster relief has positively impacted communities around the globe.
On the ground today, Ashraful Aid’s representatives, Shabeer Abdul Aziz and Mohamed Safwaan Moosa, were instrumental in ensuring the success of the clinic. Their compassion and dedication were evident as they worked tirelessly throughout the day, attending to every resident with care and empathy. Both Shabeer and Safwaan went above and beyond, creating a safe and comforting environment for the elderly, many of whom had not received proper medical attention in years. Their professionalism and genuine concern made a lasting impact on the residents.
One of the residents, Aunty Rahmah Maharaj, shared her gratitude: “I was in so much pain, I couldn’t move my leg, and my back was so sore. With just one injection, I can already feel the relief. Alhamdulillah, Allah is great. Without Shakiera and Mohamed, what will we do? Allah SWT bless them abundantly, Insha Allah.”
Special recognition is also due to the dedicated nurse, whose expert care and gentle approach provided much-needed relief to the elderly during the clinic visit. Her role was essential in making this initiative a success.
The mobile clinic will continue its rounds tomorrow, extending its services to other old age villages in the area. This initiative marks a critical effort to provide ongoing healthcare support for the elderly, who have been largely underserved.
For more information about Ashraful Aid and their ongoing initiatives, visit www.ashrafulaid.org.
