The Laudium Care Services for the Aged (LCSA) unveiled their new premises this past Tuesday, a palatial house situated at 292-2nd Avenue, Laudium sponsored by the Hajee Moosa (Moosie) and Farida Bhidia Family
The non-profit organization is actively involved in the promotion and enrichment of the lives of the aged. Their aim is to promote graceful ageing by focussing on active ageing programmes, home based care and social services as outlined by the Department of Social Services (DSD).
The LCSA’s Mission is to enhance the quality of life for adults as they age by enabling them to maintain their health, well-being, independence, and participation in the community. LCSA fulfils this mission within the community by developing and providing innovative programmes in health, social service, creative arts, community and professional education.
The unveiling and ribbon cutting took place on Tuesday, 13 April 2021. Secretary Vani Muthaya opened the function with a prayer. Deputy Chair Hafsa Bhika remembered Shazia Essa Choprop and Aneez Tayob who were both very actively involved with the organization.
Board Member, Haseena Azmuth spoke about the operations and service to the community by the LCSA.
The Department of Social Services (DSD) approved a grant of R525,000 for a 16-seater Minibus which was unveiled at the event on Tuesday.
Hafsa said, “If there’s someone I truly admire, it’s Mr AK Soma (79) and Mrs Rooki Soma (75), at their age they at the office every single day. It’s really commendable to have senior citizens serving our seniors.
Auditor and Honorable Board Member, Mr Mahier Tayob praised the Moosie Bhidia family for their sponsorship and the LCSA for their excellent work. Tayob donated a 7-seater vehicle to the LCSA in October last year in honour of his Late Father, Ebrahim AC Tayob.
Message from the Deputy Chairperson Hafsa Bhika
"The angels must certainly have been listening in when our esteemed Chairman, Mr Ahmed Arbee expressed our organisation’s fervent desire for an expanded premises during our Annual General Meeting on 27th October 2020.
Mr Moosie Bhidia has made it clear in no uncertain terms that we would only be able to make use of his home if the ‘services are free of any charge”.
His reward he said would come from the fact that the house would benefit the needy and destitute as an eternal charity.
Our very near future plan is to establish a safe haven for victims of Gender Based Violence as well as other women who are destitute and require a shelter. This will serve as a temporary home, which will be managed by the Laudium Women’s Network, a well-established non-profit organisation which has become synonymous with building community and protecting women and children.
We have no doubt that future generations of the Moosa Bhidia family will look at their former stately family home, and smile that the legacy of their generous forefather lives on for the benefit of mankind. Indeed they will know that they are a part of a family lineage that honours the words of the Holy Quran that describes the best among you as ‘the one who is most beneficial to mankind”.
Chairman Ahmed Arbee said, “It takes a good heart to say this is for humanity. Moosie Bhidia told board members that the top section of the house should be used for victims of gender-based violence and the bottom section can be used for senior citizens activities.”
“My deep sense of gratitude is extended to Dr Mahmoud Youseff Baker. Executive Chairman and the Board of Trustees of the Iqra Trust who kindly granted us the sum of R100,000 for our activity Centre and relocation. A R50,000 donation was granted by Mr Eric Dockrat on behalf of the Dockrat Charitable Trust. A sum of R50,000 was donated by Mr S Babur Zaidi, Senior Vice President of the HBZ Bank Laudium. A sum of R25,000 was donated by our Hon Member, Mr Jeewan Kalyan. Cognisance is also taken of the support by our Community donating variable amounts in cash and kind.” Arbee added.
You too can donate to the LCSA through the bank accounts below:
Albaraka Bank
Account name: Laudium Care Services for the Aged NPC
Account No.: 78600252175
Branch Code: 800000
Reference: Your Name
HBZ Bank
Account name: Laudium Care Services for the Aged
Account No.: 11901186972
Branch Code: 370145
Reference: Your Name
