The Cape Flats communities of Hanover Park and Mitchell’s Plain are plagued by gangsterism, drugs, violence and poverty. Due to the high rates of unemployment, many senior, elderly members have to struggle and support their families with their monthly pensions from the government. It’s simply not enough–they’re left hungry and without basic necessities, living in poor conditions.

Meet Aunty Safia, a soft-spoken 80-year-old widow. She is among those living in gang-ridden Mitchell’s Plain. She’s had a difficult life, first growing up as an orphan, then losing her husband unexpectedly, and being left to raise three young children by herself. Now, even in her old age, she still worries about where her next meal will come from. 

Her home, like many others in the Cape Flats, remains incomplete. There are no basic necessities to survive, such as cooking appliances, a fridge, and even a ceiling–it gets extremely cold in her home, especially during the winter months. The cold weather worsens her frail health and quality of life.

Aunty Safia is not alone. Many other senior community members are also living under such difficult circumstances while battling poor health.