Charné Kemp talked to Emsie Malan, regional manager of the Association for Dementia and Alzheimer’s of South Africa (Adasa) in the Northern Cape (NC).
This non-profit company (NPC) was founded as Alzheimer’s South Africa in 1985. It was managed by a national executive council and registered as a non-profit organisation (NPO) on 5 April 2001.
On 10 May 2023, the name was changed to the Association of Dementia and Alzheimer’s of South Africa NPC.
Adasa is the South African representative of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with dementia and those affected by it.
What inspired the creation of this organisation?
It was initiated by volunteers due to the suffering of their loved ones with dementia. Families and carers of people living with dementia needed more information, awareness, training and consultation.
Our mission is to provide education, advocacy, and support services to those affected by dementia while raising awareness to reduce stigma and improve care.
Emsie Malan
How do you identify the communities or causes that need your support the most?
21 September is World Alzheimer’s Day and September is World Alzheimer’s month. During September awareness will focus on the theme determined by ADI. This is to address the stigma of the disease among all communities, resulting in protection and care of the person living with dementia, while erasing the myths about the disease.
Community awareness programmes are priority to educate the community on dementia and to prevent elderly abuse.
All referrals received or request for individual psycho-social support and counselling will be followed up by the social workers.
Can you share details about major ongoing projects or initiatives?
- During Purple parkrun in September, participants wear purple for the Run for Dementia at the Rooifontein game farm next to Kimberley.
- Adasa NC hosted the third Golden Oldies Championship in October last year at the Acacia Retirement Village. During this event, 20 teams of six members each participated in exercises, sing-along, games, and a light lunch, fostering social connections among older persons from various towns.
- With dementia care training during 2024, two-day training sessions were conducted at multiple locations. More are planned for this year, also at new venues across the province.
- A WhatsApp support group is available for those affected by dementia. In-person meetings occur monthly at the Belgrave Lodge and quarterly at the Acacia Retirement Village, offering a safe space to share experiences and gather information.
- On Madiba Day last year, on 19 July, Adasa NC dedicated 67 minutes to community service at the Seochoareng Assisted Living Centre, treating 35 residents and seven caregivers with soup, sandwiches, and warm knitted gifts.
- Monthly activities for the elderly is held at Belgrave Lodge, which include games, sing-along, chair exercises, and fun-filled social engagement.
- During awareness talks from April 2024 to March 2025, Adasa NC educated 6 679 people across the province about dementia.
How does your organisation ensure transparency and accountability in managing funds?
Regional managers report to the CEO and meet quarterly with advisory committees, who support finances, marketing, and fundraising. Minutes are kept. The treasurer presents financials; the manager reports on regional services. Quarterly reports with bank and financial statements are submitted to the Department of Social Development (DSD).
Two signatures are required for transactions and Absa Business Integrator ensures an audit trail. Annual audits are conducted by an AGM-approved agency. Monthly purchases follow financial policies, made by the manager and treasurer or delegate.
What are some of the challenges faced in achieving goals?
We serve the Northern Cape, South Africa’s largest and most remote province. This is done with a team comprising a regional manager/social worker, one social worker, and three social auxiliary workers across Kimberley, Upington, and Barkly West. Social media and Zoom help expand outreach beyond Kimberley, including caregiver training in other towns. A community developer in Pampierstad was contracted for service delivery and awareness projects, with new personnel dependent on financial viability.
Adasa NC receives subsidies from DSD for salaries, but none for projects. As an NGO, Adasa NC relies on donations and fundraising to support individuals with dementia and their families.
The organisation seeks volunteer fundraisers or teams to help raise funds. Current initiatives include selling Casual Day stickers and hosting a stall at Yonder Hartsfees.
How do you measure the impact of your work in the communities you serve?
Feedback received from caregivers who attended the dementia training, requests received for training, followers on Facebook and social media, people attending awareness talks, and feedback and recognition received from clients who receives support services from Adasa NC.
What role does collaboration with other organisations or government bodies play?
Adasa, South Africa’s representative of ADI, is committed to improving life for those with dementia. Its services follow global best practices and its training is internationally approved. Collaboration with organisations and government bodies is essential, with DSD funding needed for financial sustainability.
Referrals from elderly service providers help Adasa NC support those living with dementia. Caregiver training in retirement villages and old age homes ensures quality care and prevents elder abuse. Adasa NC also assists families with facility placements and hosts events.
How do you engage donors and encourage long-term support for your mission?
Getting donors is one of the challenges. Adasa NC receive donations from churches, and follow it up with a letter of thanks and offering our services to their church members. The annual newsletter is forwarded to possible donors to inform them about services rendered.
We also contact possible donors and inform them about the Section 18A tax benefit being available.
Can you share a success story that highlights the difference your organisation has made?
Adasa’s intervention at the Galeshewe Association for the Care of the Aged and Disabled (Gaasca) has positively impacted both staff and older persons, providing valuable insights into Alzheimer’s and caregiving. Workshops have been well received, with hopes for wider accessibility.
From 2024, Emsie Malan conducted a successful three-day Alzheimer’s training for eight staff members, transforming their understanding of dementia. A brief session with the Kokerboom Oord Trust further enriched their knowledge. With an established Alzheimer’s unit and trained personnel, the facility can now offer greater support to the community.
Seochwareng Assisted Living Centre extends gratitude to the Adasa team, led by social worker Omphile Magau, for celebrating Nelson Mandela Day with warm soup, bread, and thoughtful gifts.
What plans do you have for a future growth and expansion of your organisation’s initiatives?
To expand service delivery and appoint more personnel. Adasa NC will continue hosting the Golden Oldies Championship.
Also, it needs to support the Adasa national office with developing a national dementia plan. Furthermore, Adasa needs to start lobbying with Stats SA to be able to account for the number of people with dementia in South Africa.
- Visit adasa.org.za for more information.
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