Center save community from the gutter.

 

The local community’s struggle to access social services like, application of identity documents, safer place to apply and receive grants, obtaining affidavits and certifying of documents among other things became a thing of the past, when the opening of this disability center became a reality.

Lehlaba disability center also known as Lehlaba Protective Workshop operated in a tiny four room house build for them by a local donor since it was established in 2001 by a group of local disabled men and women. This after conducting an extensive research and found that many parents in the community hide their disabled children and relatives.  The centre lies in Riba Cross a village outside Burgersfort, Limpopo province.

According to the founder and Leader Mr. Steve Mabaso, Lehlaba Disability Center received the state of the art facility donation from Belgium funders, facilitated by Department of Social Development.

“The Department of Social Development asked us and other projects to make presentations on the kind of facilities we need. I presented and we were chosen together with another project to be sponsored with this infrastructure.” Said Mabaso.

After they were approved for such mega sponsors, Mabaso continued to mention that, they were further requested to present the kind of center they envision for their communities. He said he articulated the structure with a vision for the community at the back of his mind.

“I realized that the community needed access to social workers, grants, ID documents, and they traveled long distances to access police station when they want to certify their documents and write affidavits so, I asked for a center big enough to accommodate such extra services.” Elaborated Mabaso.

Today Lehlaba Disability Center boast a beautiful building, it is also a beckon of pride in the community after being rescued from the gutter. Not only has the Center rescued the community of Burgersfort it has managed to create employment opportunities, saved the lives of disabled children either from abortions or being hidden by their parents and guardians.

“This center is all we have and have needed for a very long time. Since its arrival it has saved us from exorbitant costs of travelling far distances to obtain affidavits, consult social workers, certify our papers, and now I can just walk to Lehlaba and do all that once” said Yvonne Maile, one of the resident in the village.

Lehlaba Disability Center provides a safe haven for the disabled children and adults who mostly come looking for a safe, nurturing and comfort home to belong and be with others like them. And it’s safe to say, the center provides just that kind of environment and more.