eNews

#05 2024

Engaging with the elderly community at Ikamva Labantu

By Sisipho Njokweni (Intern), Mpho Mahlangu (WIL Student) and Aneliswa Maphumulo (WIL Student)

In September this year, the SAEON Egagasini Node team had the pleasure of engaging with the elderly community at Ikamva Labantu Wellness Centre in Khayelitsha. The gathering was part of our ongoing efforts to connect our scientific research with local communities, fostering a sense of stewardship towards the marine environment. The engagement further provided an opportunity to share the important work done in South Africa’s marine environment. 

The team was joined by representatives from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), representing the Small-Scale Fisheries sector. They engaged with the elders on sustainable fishing practices and the crucial role of small-scale fisheries in maintaining livelihoods.

The day unfolded as a beautiful exchange of knowledge, stories and experiences. What truly made the event special was the enthusiasm of the elders, who were visibly happy and eager to engage with the teams. They shared incredible stories about their lived experiences with the ocean, while the SAEON Egagasini team provided up-to-date knowledge on marine ecosystems.

Some of the recollections of the elders included memories of when fish populations were still abundant and how the ocean met their aesthetic and spiritual needs. This interaction offered a wealth of knowledge about marine life, and how human actions have influenced the seas over time. This deeply enriched our understanding of their connection to the sea.

The SAEON Egagasini Node team with the DFFE Small-Scale Fisheries team.

The elders showcased their handmade beadwork.

A virtual tour beneath the ocean’s surface 

One of the highlights of the day was the use of Visual Reality (VR) sets. The elders were treated to a virtual tour beneath the ocean’s surface and a video from the Marion Island Relief Expedition, offering them a glimpse of the various marine life and ecosystems. The VR experience was a fun and engaging way to connect with the ocean, and the elders’ reactions indicated that they were filled with joy and curiosity as they explored this new virtual world.

Thomas Mtontsi (science engagement officer at SAEON’s Egagasini Node) assisting an elder as they explore the ocean through VR sets.

Learning more about Marion Island 

Abu Nguna from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) provided an informative presentation on the unique conditions of Marion Island and its diverse marine mammals. This was further demonstrated through a captivating video that showcased marine life on the island.

The elders were thrilled by this virtual experience, leading to an engaging Q&A session that demonstrated their curiosity and eagerness to learn more.

Student engagement

The elderly’s enthusiasm was further amplified by the participation of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology based at the SAEON Egagasini Node. Each student shared their personal journey into marine science.

Coming from diverse provinces, they spoke about what had motivated them to study marine sciences, particularly in the context of climate change. Their presentations added another layer to the discussions, making the engagement even more dynamic and relevant for the elderly participants.

Abu Nguna from the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) provided an informative presentation on the unique conditions of Marion Island and its diverse marine mammals.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology sharing their knowledge and engaging with the elderly participants.

Closing moments of gratitude  

The event concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude from the elders. They sang and prayed for the SAEON and DFFE staff, creating touching moments of appreciation. In addition, they showcased their handmade crafts, further strengthening the connection between the generations.

The event was a testament to the power of community engagement in science and demonstrated how knowledge can be shared and enriched across age groups and disciplines. The combination of storytelling, technology and personal experiences fostered a meaningful dialogue between the elderly community and the science teams, emphasising the importance of preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.