The Association for the Aged (Tafta) commemorated the International Day of Care and Support on 29 October with an inspiring film screening at Suncoast Cinecentre, where the acclaimed global documentary Human Forever captivated an audience of care professionals, community leaders, and elder-care advocates.
The event formed part of Tafta’s ongoing mission to promote dignity-driven care for older persons, offering attendees not only cinematic storytelling but also a heartfelt call to reimagine what it means to care.
Opening the morning’s programme, Tafta Chief Executive Officer Femada Shamam reflected on the deeper meaning of care in today’s society. She said: “On a day dedicated to recognising caregivers and those they serve, this movie offers a timely reminder that care is not merely a duty, but an expression of our shared humanity. The true measure of a caring society lies in its ability to see older people not as dependents, but as individuals deserving of connection, purpose, and respect.”
The audience then journeyed with Dutch dementia advocate Teun Toebes and filmmaker Jonathan de Jong, who travelled across 11 countries and four continents exploring innovative, person-centred approaches to dementia care. Their film spotlighted communities where empathy, creativity, and dignity form the foundation of every interaction.
Shamam noted that Human Forever challenges conventional notions of care, offering valuable insights for South Africa’s own context. “In our townships, care is often given as an act of love, rooted in community bonds,” she said. “In Belgium, care workers offer comfort through touch and companionship rather than relying solely on medication—a tender reminder that healing begins with human connection. These stories urge us to view dementia not as a medical issue to solve, but as a shared social responsibility.”
Following the screening, Professor Rayne Stroebel, a long-time advocate for person-centred dementia care, led a lively discussion. Attendees described the film as both hopeful and transformative, sparking dialogue on how to bring similar compassion-led care practices to local communities.
In closing, Shamam expressed gratitude to Stroebel for securing the screening rights, the eThekwini Municipality for providing transportation, and The Avalon Group and Suncoast Cinecentre for donating the venue and technical support. She also acknowledged Tafta’s care partners and workforce for their unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of Durban’s elders.
The premiere of Human Forever served as a powerful observance of the International Day of Care and Support, reminding all present that care extends beyond institutions, professions, or a single day. As conversations continued long after the lights came up, one message resonated: to be “human forever” is to never stop caring.
