Utrecht - Christmas came early for 100 pensioners in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday when state power utility Eskom treated them to lunch and food hampers as part of its corporate social investment programme.
The event coincided with Eskom’s participation in a 16 day national campaign to fight violence against women and children.
“I am very happy for today, I didn't know what was going to happen to us since no one is working at home after my husband died,” said one elderly woman, Ziqubu, who was widowed earlier this year.
Community members cited a lack of basis healthcare facilities as one of their biggest challenges, and applauded the provision by Eskom of a mobile health clinic. Women at Friday’s event were provided with basic dental and eye-care services, as well as general health check-ups.
Eskom interim board chairman, Zethembe Khoza said the electricity company was committed to playing its part in helping disadvantaged communities in South Africa.
“Many of the communities we operate in struggle to access the healthcare system for different reasons and this is why we saw it fitting to create the Bophelong mobile health programme,” Khoza said.
“Through it, we are able to reach far-flung communities, and give them access to facilities they might otherwise be unable to reach.”