Reimagining Ageing with Dignity: A Conversation with NOAH Director Victor Southgate

Today on Bush Radio’s Sakhisizwe, we had an inspiring conversation with NOAH Neighbourhood Old Age Homes Director Victor Southgate about how the organisation is changing the way we think about ageing in South Africa.

Founded in 1981, NOAH is a pioneering non-profit organisation that supports older persons over the age of 60 who are living on limited incomes. But NOAH offers far more than shelter and care — it creates spaces where elders can experience dignity, purpose, belonging, and hope.

Starting with its first home in Woodstock, NOAH has grown into a model that focuses on empowering older people rather than controlling their lives. Victor explained that NOAH is not a traditional old age home system. Instead, it provides support, guidance, and community while allowing residents to make their own decisions and maintain their independence.

At the heart of NOAH’s work is an Asset-Based Community-Driven Development (ABCD) approach. This means the organisation focuses not on what people lack, but on what they already bring — their stories, knowledge, skills, resilience, and relationships. NOAH believes older people are valuable community members who still have much to contribute.

The organisation’s work stretches across housing, healthcare, wellness, and social development. Residents contribute a small rental fee, reinforcing dignity and shared responsibility within the community. Healthcare support includes wellness programmes, assistance for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, healing programmes, group sessions, and hotline support for members in need.

Victor also shared how NOAH creates emotional support systems among the elders themselves. Members are trained to support one another and “hold space” for each other through difficult moments. One touching example is the friendship bench initiative — when someone is sitting at a bench, it signals that they may need someone to talk to, encouraging connection and care within the community.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of changing how society views older people, especially those living in poverty. Too often, elders are overlooked or marginalised. NOAH challenges this thinking by creating environments where older people continue to thrive, contribute, and inspire.

From projects in communities such as Khayelitsha to farming initiatives and wellness programmes, NOAH is showing that ageing can be approached differently — with respect, compassion, and community at the centre.

What NOAH is doing at the intersection of housing, health, wellness, enterprise, and community-building is more than social service work. It is a reimagining of what it means to grow old with dignity in South Africa.

Their work reminds us that older people are not problems to be managed, but assets, knowledge-holders, and community anchors who deserve care, respect, and meaningful opportunities to continue shaping society.

To learn more or support the work of NOAH, visit NOAH Neighbourhood Old Age Homes.

Please visit their website or reach out directly info@noah.org.za/ (0)21 447 6334. Every connection, every donation, and every conversation

By: Grizelda Grootboom