SAPS Officers Bring Joy to Phumula Old Age Home on Valentine’s Day
By Father Mathibela Sebothoma
14 February 2025, Phumula, Bronkhorstspruit
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) from the Bronkhorstspruit police precinct brought warmth and joy to the residents of Phumula Old Age Home in Bronkhorstspruit this Valentine’s Day. In a touching gesture, the officers exchanged their traditional blue uniforms for red and white attire, symbolising love and care for the senior citizens.
The SAPS members spent the day cooking and sharing meals with the residents. They also presented specially decorated gifts to the elderly, while their choir performed uplifting songs to the delight of all present. The officers engaged in heartfelt conversations, listening to and laughing with the senior citizens, many of whom seldom receive visits from their families.
Phumula, meaning “place of rest,” is one of the few old age homes owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Pretoria. Many of its residents have limited interaction with their relatives, making this special engagement with the police officers particularly meaningful.
Valuing the Elderly
Captain Fikile Mtsweni, Head of Human Resource Management at the Bronkhorstspruit SAPS station, expressed her deep appreciation for the elderly. “Senior citizens hold a special place in my heart, as we owe our knowledge and wisdom to their teachings. They provide us with a historical foundation, enabling us to better understand the future,” she remarked.
Captain Mtsweni cited Deuteronomy 5:16, which states, “Honour your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” She emphasised the importance of valuing and caring for the elderly while they are still alive, rather than expressing regret after their passing. “I always remind young people that parents are irreplaceable; one cannot simply purchase them from a supermarket. They should be cherished while they are still with us,” she urged.
This initiative forms part of SAPS’ broader commitment to community engagement. Earlier this year, the local police participated in a shoe donation programme for underprivileged children at the start of the 2025 academic year. “The programme was a great success. The children were overjoyed to receive shoes from the police. We are often perceived as enforcers of the law, but through initiatives such as these, we seek to foster closer ties with the communities we serve,” Captain Mtsweni explained.
She also highlighted crime-related concerns, particularly gender-based violence (GBV), which disproportionately affects vulnerable groups such as the elderly. “Through outreach programmes like this, we aim to strengthen our bond with the community so that together we can combat societal challenges, including crime,” she stated.
Love Beyond Romance
Warrant Officer Maki Mathibela of the same police station reflected on the significance of Valentine’s Day beyond romantic love. “The event at Phumula Old Age Home served as a poignant reminder that Valentine’s Day should not be solely reserved for romantic expressions of love but also as an opportunity to extend kindness, compassion, and gratitude to the elderly, who have paved the way for future generations.”
She added, “Valentine’s Day can be a reminder to care for those who feel unloved—orphans, the elderly, the homeless, and the lonely. Acts of charity, visiting the sick, or feeding the hungry embody the true spirit of love. Love is the foundation of unity and peace. Using Valentine’s Day to promote kindness in communities—through volunteering, donating, or supporting social causes—helps build a world where love is not just personal but communal. Love is not only romantic; it is also found in friendships, family, and self-care. Celebrating love in all its dimensions helps break the misconception that Valentine’s Day is only for couples. Rather than just focusing on receiving gifts, Valentine’s Day can be a time to give—whether it’s giving time, resources, or support to those in need. Love grows when shared.”
The History of Phumula Old Age Home
The manager of the old age home, Sister Elizabeth Mathabathe of the Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (DIHM), explained that the facility prioritises the frail, those in wheelchairs, and those who are vulnerable. Some residents are mentally well, while others experience dementia. All are treated with the dignity, love, and care associated with the Catholic Church.
Phumula also has facilities for elderly and young people who can self-care in cottages with one, two, or three bedrooms.
Sister Mathabathe recounted that the old age home was established in 2004 through the assistance of Austrian-born missionary, Father Karl Kuppelweiser, popularly known as Father Charles. “I was Fr Charles’ assistant. We started with ten elderly patients, who were all White,” she shared.
However, South Africa’s Department of Social Development (DSD) refused to grant subsidies to the facility if it exclusively admitted White residents. At the time, African senior citizens were housed at Sizanani Village, five kilometres away, which was also built with Father Charles’ assistance. The South African Constitution does not allow racial discrimination. The DSD is responsible for providing social development, protection, and welfare services to the public.
As a result, some White elderly residents left Phumula, unwilling to share the facility with Africans. By 2005, the home had become multiracial, though the majority of residents were African. The Catholic Church firmly upholds non-discrimination, and in 2007, the South African government finally began providing financial support to Phumula after confirming that all residents were treated equally, regardless of race.
Phumula remains the only facility in the region catering to individuals who are not financially well-off. Most residents rely on government old-age grants for their daily sustenance.
A Beacon of Love and Ubuntu
The Bronkhorstspruit SAPS officers have set an inspiring example of how love can be demonstrated through acts of service and care, reinforcing the values of Ubuntu within South African society. Their presence at Phumula Old Age Home not only brought joy to the elderly but also underscored the importance of intergenerational solidarity.
The Archdiocese of Pretoria runs 15 care centres for vulnerable individuals. Those wishing to support these initiatives may donate to specific centres or through Caritas Pretoria, located in the office of Archbishop Dabula Mpako.