Chief Tshifovhedze Madzivhandila of Tshakhuma has urged the government to employ caregivers full time and to compensate them with decent salaries, to reciprocate for the good job they are doing in the community.

Madzivhandila addressed community home-based carers of the Levubu Society for the Care of the Aged during a ceremony to present certificates to them. The caregivers, who completed a course in caregiving, received their certificates during a function held in their honour and to welcome them in the community. It took place at the local traditional affairs offices.

The event, which was also attended by a senior official of the Department of Health, Ms Yvonne Manganye, and traditional leaders, was held last Wednesday.

Ms Humbulani Mphephu, operational manager at the Levubu Clinic, who trained the caregivers, said the ceremony was to affirm that the caregivers were fully trained and could work on their own in the community. "We felt we should empower them in order to do their job from an informed position. We have no doubt that they will serve their communities well," she added.

Chief Tshifovhedze Madzivhandila praised the caregivers, saying the work they were doing could not be adequately compensated in monetary terms. "You are doing good work as you identify needy and sick people in the community, something that we as traditional leaders could not do. Many relatives are very shy to admit their next of kin are poor or are sick and you are of good help in that respect," he added.

Madzivhandila said despite the good work the carers were doing, they got nothing to support their families at the end of the month. "We are making a call for the government to seek ways of giving you permanent employment and decent salaries. We are also urging our communities to give you all the support in your work," added Madzivhandila.

Mr Ndivhuho Ndou (22), who also received a certificate, said he was largely empowered by the course they had undergone. "Now I know what is expected of me. I know what to do and can handle all situations on my own," he said.