Hundreds of residents gathered at Temba Stadium on 6 June for the community’s first annual Walk for Dementia Awareness, an initiative aimed at educating residents and supporting families affected by the condition.
The non-competitive walk began at the stadium and moved through Unit D, drawing families, healthcare workers, teachers and community members from Temba and surrounding areas. The event combined awareness and reflection with vibrant displays of solidarity, as participants carried banners promoting love, strength and support for those living with dementia.
The campaign was organised by Mrs Tshidi Semanya-Gwabeni and her team, in partnership with Temba District Health Services, Blue Ribbon, FNB, MTN and several local businesses and non-governmental organisations.
For Mrs Semanya-Gwabeni, the cause is deeply personal.
“There is a very special connection,” she said. “My father lived with dementia and sadly passed away in 2024. Over the years, I witnessed the impact of dementia through my own family’s experience.”
She explained that the illness not only affects individuals diagnosed with it but also takes a heavy emotional toll on families.
“Dementia not only affected me, but my entire family. My mother had to go for counselling because the man she knew and loved became someone different due to this illness,” she said.
In South Africa, hundreds of thousands of people are estimated to be living with dementia, although many cases remain undiagnosed due to limited awareness and restricted access to specialist healthcare services. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and often places significant emotional, physical and financial strain on families, particularly in communities where caregiving is largely carried out by relatives.
Health information stalls at the event provided educational material and guidance on recognising early signs of dementia and accessing support services. Organisers said one of the key objectives was to reduce stigma and encourage families to seek help sooner.
Mrs Semanya-Gwabeni described the inaugural walk as a success.
“I was happy with the turnout. It was encouraging to see community members come together to support the cause,” she said.
Organisers hope the walk will become an annual event to continue raising awareness and building a support network for families affected by dementia in Temba.
