Community Stories

Mrs Rosaline Paynter was born in 1936 in District Six, Cape Town. She was born with a twin brother and was one of 10 children. She grew up among laughter and had a joyful childhood. Mrs Paynter has a great sense of humour. She loves to laugh and her attitude to life is “enjoy yourself, the day I can’t laugh, I must be dead.” Mrs Paynter attended school until standard six, when she had to leave and take up work. She worked in the family greengrocer and continued this business until after her father passed on. Once modern retailing arrived, sadly the grocer had to close and Mrs Paynter took up promotional work which she pursued for 19 years. Mrs Paynter now has two children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mrs Paynter was diagnosed with hypertension at the age of eight. It had affected her pregnancies and she had to alter her diet. Two years ago, she noticed that her hearing was deteriorating, however, she delayed seeking assistance due to the price and unaffordability of hearing aids. Mrs Paynter subsequently attended the free hearing screening in Grassy Park which confirmed her hearing loss. She also attended a diagnostic hearing assessment and now awaits hearing aids. Thanks to the Spirit Community Foundation for providing funding to our services, it allows individuals like Mrs Paynter to partake in conversation and experience “the greatest gift” that is communication. .