Ithemba Ward (G7) Tygerberg Hospital

Roshany Sylvester (HOPE Community Health Worker)

Roshanny Sylvester has been employed by HOPE Association since May 16, 2005. She brings a strong administration, computer and health background with training in office management, data analysis and counselling.  Her connection with Tygerberg began as an employee of the Tygerberg Youth Development Council and the South African Youth Council.  Roshanny was born and attended school in the Western Cape, matriculating in the province of the Western Cape. Her interpretation skills in Afrikaans and English are well-utilised on the Ithemba Ward.  With her experience working in Vahalla Park addressing a variety of client needs, Roshanny teaches basic child care skills to parents focusing on dehydration, hygiene and general health.  In addition, she manages the Volunteers to HOPE Cape Town, develops in-patient activity programs and assists in the HOPE Cape Town Tygerberg Office with records and project documentation.  After-hours, she volunteers at her church and leads a “Life Skills Group” and a youth group. Due to her strong leadership skills and commitment, Roshanny is very popular, well known and respected.

Ithemba Ward – Tygerberg Academic Children's Hospital

The Ithemba (or “Hope” in Xhosa) ward has a total of 24 beds.  In the last calendar year the ward admitted over 450 patients, some staying a few days and others for months.  The ward is dedicated to children with infectious diseases.  This term is used rather than HIV or AIDS in order to reduce the very real stigma of HIV and AIDS in South Africa (approximately two-thirds of these paediatric patients are HIV positive).  

To provide comprehensive care and facilitate treatment, HOPE Cape Town Association enables care givers – mothers, fathers, grandparents and siblings – to remain in the hospital with patients during their stay by providing basic food and sleeping facilities. In other ways HOPE Cape Town Association has assisted the Ithemba Ward to develop enhanced and individual care for children and support for families by placing a HOPE Community Health Worker on the ward.  With the assistance of HOPE Cape Town Volunteers, the pre-school children have activities, personal care, outings to the play area on the hospital grounds and companionship for those patients with siblings at home and/or employed parents unable to be present full-time on the ward. 

neighbourhood in the area

check up on children

Roshani in front of a township clinic