​60-year-old Nomalizo Khayingana arrived at Itereleng Residence Care Facility for Disabled in Garankuwa, run by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, having lost her eyesight. Today she has partly regained her eyesight, thanks to a caring Social Worker who ensured that Khanyingana received treatment in different medical institutions.
After a major surgery at George Mukhari hospital, to remove cataract Khayingana said the first people she saw were her two daughters and grandchildren.

“I cried tears of joy. The picture of their smiling faces, it’s not going to fade away. It was amazing,” she explained. “I could not believe my eyes that I was seeing my children after such a long time of only hearing their voices. I thought they had dumped me when I arrived here. I was told that this place is for the blind,” Khayingana added.

Khayingana says that when she was admitted, she received training on how to walk using a walking stick around the institution and rails. Despite using one eye to see, doctors promised to operate the remaining eye.

Before being admitted at Itireleng, Khayingana, she used to stay in Betrams, Johannesburg. She said she went to doctors who diagnosed her with cataracts.

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye that leads to a decrease in the vision of the eyes.

She said she lost hope, but the Gauteng Department of Social Development gave her a second chance.

“I am the oldest here in the centre, and I was not aware. I only realized when I gained sight, and I appreciate everything they are doing for me, and may the good Lord continue to bless them more,” Khayingana.

The Head of Institution, Faith Mhlanga, said they are going to keep her until she receives her second surgery. “We are doing our work as Social Workers and we are going to make sure that we support her and place her to a suitable old age home which will be closer to her family since she is now a pensioner.