LEBELELANG CENTRE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OFFICIALLY OPENED IN POSTMASBURG, NC
By Tholakele Makena.
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the Lebelelang Centre for People with Disabilities in Postmasburg, marking the official opening of the facility.
- The purpose-built centre will provide a variety of services aimed at improving the quality of life for people with disabilities in the Northern Cape.
- The development of the centre involved a host of public and private partners, including the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Khumba Iron Ore, the provincial and local governments, the Lesedi Power Project, and ASSMANG’s Beeshoek Mine.
The Lebelelang Centre for People with Disabilities was formally opened in Postmasburg in the Northern Cape on Friday, 12 September 2025.
Presiding over the event, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe along with Khumba Iron Ore CEO Mpumi Zikalala handed over the centre to Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Hendricks.
In attendance were the Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, the MEC for Social Development in the Northern Cape, Nonotobeko Vilakazi, and the Mayor of Tsantsabane Local Municipality, Helena English.
The ribbon-cutting took place at the newly constructed centre, where an official plaque was unveiled.
Guests also toured the facility, which has been purpose-built to provide a variety of services aimed at improving the quality of life for people with disabilities in the region.
A follow-up session was then held at NG Kerk in Postmasburg.
The initiative brought together stakeholders including the National Development Agency, the Lesedi Power Project, and ASSMANG Iron Ore Beeshoek Mine, all of whom have contributed to the centre’s development and provided support to its programmes.
This partnership highlights the effectiveness of collaboration between public institutions and private sector partners in delivering sustainable and impactful community initiatives.
The Lebelelang Centre is designed to be more than just a physical space; it will serve as a hub for training, therapy, and skills development.
The Department of Social Development is now responsible for managing the centre and integrating it into existing social services frameworks.
Mayor English emphasised the centre’s significance as a provincial milestone.
“This centre will be a beacon of dignity and opportunity,” she remarked.
“It will provide training in care therapy and various skills, creating a supportive environment that encourages growth.
“It depends on the community and families to thrive, and it should remind us all of the legacy of the late President Nelson Mandela. The centre aims to change and improve lives.”
Programmes planned for the centre include football initiatives, partnerships with the city library, and efforts to bring tertiary education closer to the local community.
These programmes are expected to encourage greater participation and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
Boitumelo Moeng, a practitioner who has been involved with the Lebelelang Centre since 2017, shared her insights on the journey so far.
Initially operating in a community church and later in a community hall, the centre faced many challenges such as limited funding, reliance on volunteers, and occasional resistance from some community members regarding the support provided to persons with disabilities.
Despite these obstacles, Moeng expressed hope for the centre’s future growth and increased community backing.
“The centre has come a long way, but there is still work to be done,” Moeng said.
“With more support and funding, we can expand our services and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.”
The Lebelelang Centre as a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, partnership, and a shared commitment to social development.
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