Ms Shula Mashamba, Human Resources Manager of the Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme, told Mirror on Wednesday that they are desperately in need of experienced professionals who are willing to volunteer their services to help the raped and abused women and children of Thulamela.

“Retired social workers, psychologists, teachers and nurses who are still active and want to make their contribution to the community, would be ideal,” said Mashamba. “It is tragic that these skills are so badly needed, whilst healthy experienced people sit at home on pension”.

Mashamba explained that foreign donors are no longer prepared to fund certain services, such as counselling, as it is the responsibility of our own government to cover these costs. “We are still waiting for funds from Social Development, but in the meantime, hundreds of people are suffering. Retired people have such valuable experience to share; they could really be helping us to make a difference”.

According to Mashamba, TVEP has many very dedicated volunteers, but most are young and without the depth of experience needed for certain tasks. “We are not asking volunteers to work every day, they can simply tell us what hours they can contribute and we will accommodate their needs. Although we have no money to pay salaries, we can at least provide a little to cover costs like transport,” explained Mashamba.

Any retired people willing to heed TVEP’s call are invited to phone Shula on 015 963 1222 during office hours.