Cheshire Home Summerstrand in Gqeberha turns 50 this year. Quintin van Jaarsveld reflects on half a century of support
For the past 50 years, Cheshire Home Summerstrand has operated on passion as a haven of heartfelt support for adults with disabilities. Situated in Gqeberha, the home was officially opened by the late Professor Jan Christiaan Barnard in 1975 and was visited by the Honourable Leonard Cheshire in the 1980s. Through unrelenting drive, the home has stood the test of time. As it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the home boasts space for 56 adults with disabilities with unique and diverse needs.
The main building houses 44 residents while the remaining residents are in cottages designed for independent or assisted living. The home provides accommodation with full-time care, healthy and sufficient meals, assistance with medical needs and transportation to hospitals and clinics – all within a safe and sustainable environment. The home also runs Khaya Cheshire, a partial daycare centre for 16 children with disabilities.
“Our mantra is to live each day with kindness in your heart,” says Deidre Burger, who took over as manager of the home from her parents Les and Alicia Kirkland in 2016. “It’s to remember that if there’s a will, there’s a way, and to be happy.”
The personification of passion, Deidre says: “Mine is the most rewarding ‘job’ in the world. Every little thing one does for the residents is appreciated. Taking them to cricket and rugby games, shows, Addo, doing arts and crafts, playing games and interacting – all these activities are greatly appreciated. I don’t see it as a job, I see it as a lifestyle. It’s like coming home to family every morning. The residents are my life. I am a very protective mother hen.”
“Our staff are also very protective of the residents. The management team is small and work together well, and the positivity filters down to the various teams. Nothing is too much for any of them. The responsibility of managing a home of this size is daunting and sometimes challenging, but with a strong management team and well-trained staff, the sky is the limit,” she adds.
Among the residents are Dan Mkele and Simanga Mandita, who sustained life- changing injuries on the rugby field. The pair, who are assisted by the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund – also known as Rugby’s Caring Hands – say they feel right at home at Cheshire.
While playing centre for Storms Breakers in the Eastern Cape back in 1996, Dan broke his neck at the age of 30, rendering him a C3/4 complete quadriplegic. He moved to Cheshire in 1999 and admits: “It can be hard sometimes as one is limited by movement and your body does not always allow you to do the things that you want to do.” He quickly adds: “The food here is good and the staff are very caring.”
Simanga was injured at the age of 29 in 2023. He played flank for Young Brothers in Middledrift and is a C5 complete quadriplegic who moved to the home in November of that year. He says: “I feel very welcome, the staff have been kind, and I have made friends here. It’s hard to lie down sometimes when you want to move around, but our bodies have to rest.”
As a man who enjoys watching rugby and often takes trips to the boardwalk to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery Gqeberha has to offer, Simanga was one of the Players’ Fund recipients who went to the Stormers’ Investec Champions Cup game against Toulon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last December.
“It was a wonderful experience and opportunity to meet the players and go onto the field afterwards. I’m grateful to the home and the Players’ Fund for arranging the tickets,” Simanga recalls.
Deidre says both Dan and Simanga have fit in seamlessly. She shares: “Dan has participated in art lessons and learned how to paint by mouth. His artwork is magnificent! He has also served as a Residents Committee member, served on the Board, and participated in several activities that the home has offered. He is a great sports enthusiast and has painted a beautiful picture of Siya Kolisi.
“Simanga has very quietly adapted to the home very well. He has made friends with many of the residents and has also enjoyed Addo outings, rugby matches and cricket games. Fitting into a boarding establishment is a huge adjustment for a young man and he has managed this with ease.”
“He is planning to do his Grade 11 at Cheshire this year. Independence is hugely important to both gentlemen as well and we encourage this. They wheel off to the local shops and manage their own budgets,” she continues.
Fundraising remains vital for the home to continue its good work. To support their cause in this, their 50th year of existence, visit www.cheshirehomes.co.za or e-mail managerchs@cheshirehomes.co.za.
