Home News Mother’s two-decade struggle inspires Postmasburg’s first disability centre

Mother’s two-decade struggle inspires Postmasburg’s first disability centre

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A determined mother’s 20-year journey to secure education for her son has culminated in the establishment of the first dedicated disability centre in Postmasburg. The Lebelelang Centre for the Disabled, currently operating in Newtown township, is set to open a new, state-of-the-art facility to accommodate learners with disabilities who previously had limited access to educational and developmental resources.

Precious Seleka with her son, Kagiso. Picture: Supplied, National Development Agency

A DETERMINED mother’s 20-year journey to secure education for her son has culminated in the establishment of the first dedicated disability centre in Postmasburg. The Lebelelang Centre for the Disabled, currently operating in Newtown township, is set to open a new, state-of-the-art facility to accommodate learners with disabilities who previously had limited access to educational and developmental resources.

The new centre, funded through a partnership between public and private entities, features four classrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, an administration block, ablution facilities, sporting grounds, and a vegetable garden. The facility can accommodate up to 120 learners and includes a multi-purpose hall that can be repurposed for conferences to generate income for its operations.

The dream of Lebelelang began in 1997, when local resident Precious Seleka turned her home into a makeshift care facility for elderly persons and children without care during the day, street kids and those with disabilities. Her efforts were born out of necessity and grew from sheer determination to address the lack of support for vulnerable community members.

By 2003, the birth of her son with Down syndrome ignited Seleka’s determination to find a lasting solution. As a new parent, she joined forces with other unemployed women, volunteering their time to cook, clean, and establish routines that introduced basic learning activities. Using simple tools to assess the children’s abilities, they also focused on teaching essential social skills, filling a critical gap in support and resources available at the time.

The centre was formally established in 2005 but operated without funding or proper registration, relying on donations from local supermarkets, churches, and parents.

Seleka’s journey took a significant turn in 2012 when she completed an Early Childhood Development training programme, earning her a Level 4 qualification.

In 2016, Seleka and a group of volunteers established a board of directors to formalise and register the centre as a non-profit organisation (NPO). This milestone enabled them to access funding and support. The centre’s growth was further propelled in 2017 when the National Development Agency (NDA) provided support for formalisation and resource mobilisation, securing a piece of land in the Phuthaditshaba location.

The NDA facilitated partnerships with local mines and other stakeholders, resulting in a R17.4 million investment to construct the new facility. Key contributors include Lesedi Power Project, Assmang (Beeshoek) Mine, and Anglo American (Kolomela Mine).

Today, Lebelelang has six practitioners and supports 42 children and young adults aged 3 to 25, providing early childhood development programmes, life skills training, and social skills education. They are presently all crammed into two classrooms The centre also conducts community awareness campaigns to promote understanding and inclusivity for people with disabilities.

“This facility is crucial for this community, the nearest centre for services of this nature is found in Upington that is 220 kilometres away from Postmansburg. We are really looking forward to the move into the new centre,” said Seleka.

NDA acting CEO Thabani Buthelezi praised the centre’s achievements: “The Lebelelang Centre stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when communities unite to tackle poverty, unemployment, and inequality. We are committed to ensuring the centre’s sustainability through continued support and capacity-building initiatives.”

Seleka, reflecting on her two-decade mission, expressed her joy at the centre’s transformation: “This is a dream come true. We’ve come a long way, from operating out of my home to building this incredible facility. My hope is to one day take the children to Robben Island where they can see for themselves what it means to fight for their freedom.

“Over and above the crafts created under the skills development programme, we also have plans of creating an arts programme where people with disabilities will showcase their talent at events that will be costed as a means of generating income for the centre.”

The Lebelelang Centre’s legacy is one of hope and perseverance, promising a brighter future for children and adults with disabilities in Postmasburg.

Precious Seleka with board chairperson Ellen Seboko (seated) and board members (from left) Sebonile Toli and Ursela Snyman. Picture: Supplied, National Development Agency

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