Epilepsy SA in Geduld held a Purple Day event on March 26 for the centre’s beneficiaries, with various stakeholders, including the local clinic, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, and other health institutions such as the Central Gauteng Mental Health Society, among others.
The day, celebrated annually and internationally, aims to raise awareness of epilepsy and was founded in 2008.
Speaking to the African Reporter, the centre’s assistant director, Hans Tjege, said that the day is a reminder to people living with epilepsy that they are not alone, and to celebrate them.
He said that the day is meant for the community to talk about epilepsy and address the stigma and all the other misunderstandings or misconstrued information around the condition.
He also said that one of the goals for the day was to involve stakeholders well-known in the communities.
“As a centre, by establishing relationships with these stakeholders, it will allow the community to be able to understand.
“If the stakeholders and we understand and know each other, it would be easy for them in terms of referrals in that way; the communities are easily going to understand and know us as an organisation,” shared Tjege.
Tjege highlighted the importance of having events like Purple Day because people living with epilepsy tend to feel neglected or misunderstood.
He also said that some beneficiaries use these events to engage with stakeholders, such as the local clinic, where they take the opportunity to receive check-ups.
“It is also important that, as a centre, we host these kinds of events. We sometimes face challenges involving family members, as some families, due to stigma or a lack of understanding of the beneficiaries, remain uncertain about their status. This is a grey area that we want to address and engage with.
“The other thing we have realised, as we continue to learn, is that many family members are working during the week. In future, we may consider hosting this event over a weekend so that more family members can attend and we can ensure our mission is fulfilled,” noted the assistant director.
Some of the stakeholders who were part of the event were Springs Clinic and Planet Fitness, and they shared the importance of people living with epilepsy’s well-being.
The clinic’s outreach team leader, Fezile Motlou, told the publication that it is important that families support people living with epilepsy by helping them with treatment and accompanying them to health facilities.
She said that some families with relatives with epilepsy tend to hide them from society because they fear the stigma.
“We need families and friends to come together and use days like these to raise awareness about epilepsy.”
“Families need to help their loved ones in making sure that they take their treatment, which helps with seizures,” explained Motlou.
Dineo Lebone from Planet Fitness’s Springs branch shared that fitness helps with seizure control, regulating and reducing frequent seizures. She added that it also helps with bettering moods.
“It makes them have fun. So for that day, you get to forget about the medical condition and whatnot. And they are treated like normal people, where they get to have fun and just enjoy their lives on a daily basis,” said Lebone.
Lebone concluded by saying that fitness is actually for everyone, as it enhances many things, improves flexibility, and reduces stress.
The day is aimed at celebrating people with epilepsy. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
Planet Fitness’s Lwazi Sibaya, Khaya Maphumula and Dineo Lebone. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
The Epilepsy SA residents with nurse, Sr Nomvula Mtshali. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
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