MEC OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES MALESELA BENJAMIN MOLOISE INTEGRATED FACILITY

By Sipho Ncube

• On Thursday, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, under the leadership of MEC Faith Mazibuko, launched the newly renamed Malesela Benjamin Moloise Social Integrated Infrastructure in Hammanskraal, aimed at serving the Refentse community.
• This state-of-the-art facility will provide essential services, including social support, a luncheon club for seniors, and substance abuse assistance, thereby enhancing community welfare.
• MEC Mazibuko emphasised the importance of community ownership and responsible governance of non-profit organisations to ensure the facility’s long-term success.

On Thursday, 24 October, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, led by MEC Faith Mazibuko, officially launched the newly renamed Malesela Benjamin Moloise Social Integrated Infrastructure in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, to serve the Refentse community. This state-of-the-art facility will provide critical services to residents, such as social service support from the Department, a luncheon club for senior citizens, additional services from SASSA, and a walk-in centre for substance abuse.

In her address, MEC Mazibuko appealed to residents to take ownership of the facility and ensure its preservation for future generations. “It is crucial that this infrastructure is protected by the community it is meant to serve,” she said. She also urged older residents to be vigilant when electing new leadership for their Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), advising, “Make sure you choose accountable individuals to run your NPOs properly, ensuring transparent and effective governance.”

The facility, which holds immense potential for empowering the local community, particularly older persons, was praised by Kgobisa Moapane, Chairperson of the Tshwane Older Persons Forum. Moapane highlighted the centre’s role in offering hope through income-generating programmes. “As senior citizens, we are grateful for this opportunity. We plan to cultivate vegetables and run sewing projects within the centre as part of job creation and poverty alleviation efforts,” he said.

With the opening of the Malesela Benjamin Moloise Integrated Infrastructure, residents of Refentse and nearby areas will now have easy access to essential services, including social work, services for older persons, substance abuse assistance, community development, and SASSA services. The renaming of the facility honours Malesela Benjamin Moloise, a leader whose legacy of positive impact on the community continues to inspire change.