What Wenakker Offers

At Wenakker, we're committed to providing a loving and supportive environment where residents can thrive. We offer a range of services designed to meet their individual needs and enhance their quality of life. Here's a closer look at what we provide:


A Caring Home

A Caring Home

Our residents live in comfortable houses with around-the-clock care from dedicated house parents.  

We create a warm, family-like atmosphere where everyone feels safe and supported.

Personalized Support

Personalized Support

We develop individualized care plans to ensure each resident receives the specific attention and assistance they need.

Whether it's daily living activities, health needs, or personal goals, we're here to help.

Engaging Activities

Engaging Activities

We offer a variety of activities to keep residents active, engaged, and having fun! 

From arts and crafts to gardening and social events, there's always something happening at Wenakker.

Therapeutic Programs

Therapeutic Programs

Our programs focus on promoting residents' well-being and development.
   
We offer opportunities to learn life skills, express creativity, and participate in meaningful activities.

Specialized Care

Specialized Care

For residents with more complex needs, we provide specialized care and support.

Our team is trained to handle a wide range of challenges with compassion and expertise.

Community Integration

Community Integration

We believe in fostering connections between our residents and the wider community.

We organize social outings, encourage participation in local events, and support residents in maintaining ties with their families.

About Wenakker

Wenakker isn't just a care center; it's a place with a rich history and a deep commitment to its residents. For over 50 years, we've been providing a loving and supportive home for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Our story began in 1969, within the walls of the former Loreto Catholic Convent. The convent itself has an even older history, dating back to 1893 when it was established by the Sisters of Loreto.

Back in 1877, Bishop Charles Jolivet recognized the need for a sanctuary in the Lydenburg area. Eventually, the convent was built on a piece of land acquired for that purpose.

The journey of the first nuns to Lydenburg was quite an adventure! They traveled all the way from Pretoria by ox-wagon, facing heavy rains and flooded rivers. It took them six whole weeks to reach their destination.   

The convent served the community for many years, but as times changed, it eventually closed its doors in 1969.

That's where Wenakker comes in. In 1971, the Eastern Transvaal Society for the Care of Mentally Retarded (now known as Wenakker) purchased the property to establish a training center.

The organization was founded in 1969 by three parents who wanted to create a better future for their intellectually disabled children.

Over the years, Wenakker has grown and evolved, always staying true to its core mission of providing exceptional care and a loving community.

About
Profile

Established in 1969, Wenakker creates a nurturing environment where residents are empowered to live a full life.

Wenakker Profile

Our Mission: 

Our mission is simple: to create a nurturing environment where every resident feels valued, respected, and empowered to live a fulfilling life.

Our Values:

These values guide everything we do at Wenakker:

  • Compassion: We treat everyone with kindness, empathy, and understanding.
  • Respect: We honor the dignity and individuality of each resident.
  • Community: We foster a sense of belonging and connection.
  • Quality: We strive for excellence in all aspects of our care.

Services We Offer at Wenakker

At Wenakker, we provide comprehensive care and support designed to meet the diverse needs of our residents. Our dedicated team is committed to creating a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.

Residential Care

Our residents live in comfortable houses, each with a caring house parent who provides daily support and supervision.

We offer both single and double rooms to suit individual preferences.

We strive to create a warm and home-like atmosphere where residents feel safe and secure.

Residential Care

Daily Living Support

Our team assists residents with all aspects of daily living, including personal hygiene, meals, and medication management.

We encourage independence and support residents in developing essential life skills.

Daily Living Support

Activities and Programs

We offer a wide range of engaging activities to promote social interaction, creativity, and personal growth.

These include arts and crafts, gardening, music, outings, and social events.

Activities and Programs

Therapeutic Services

We provide therapeutic programs designed to enhance residents' well-being and address their specific needs.

These may include individual or group therapy, counseling, and specialized interventions.

Therapeutic Services

Specialized Care

For residents with more complex needs, we offer specialized care and support.

This may include 24-hour care, assistance with mobility, and support for medical conditions.

Specialized Care

Community Integration

We believe in fostering connections between our residents and the wider community.

We organize outings, encourage participation in local events, and support residents in maintaining relationships with family and friends.

Community Integration

Dedicated Team

Our team of dedicated caregivers, nurses, therapists, and support staff is committed to providing compassionate and professional care.

We work collaboratively to ensure the well-being of each resident.

Dedicated Team

Family Involvement

We recognize the importance of family involvement and encourage open communication and collaboration.

We keep families informed about their loved one's progress and welcome their input in care planning.

Family Involvement

Management

Cassius Smith

Cassius Smith 

Director

Nandi Swart

Nandi Swart

Chief Financial Officer

Lizanne Parsons

Lizanne Parsons 

Front Office Administrator

Sr Elizabeth Skhosana

Sr Elizabeth Skhosana 

Health Manager

Martie Coetzer

Martie Coetzer 

Superintendent

Francois Marais

Francois Marais 

Grounds Manager





Our Teams

 

 

Madaleine Dick

All the staff are briljant. They care amidst very few resources. It is a quality aftercare home.

Shane du Preez

Safe haven for the intelectually disabled. Managed by Angels.

Michelle Beyleveld

Loving and Caring people who look after the needy, like my brother.

J.B. Willers

Fantastic People caring for Fantastic People. It takes a special type of person that would dedicated their life to take care of other people, even more so when those people are disabled.

Jacques Laubscher

It's a place for disabled people where anyone is welcome to stay there.

Trinette Joubert

Awesome and friendly people.