A BRAAMFONTEIN centre, aimed at empowering South Africa’s future leaders, was opened this week.

The century-old government building took two months to clean up before being refurbished and turned into the Uthando Centre.

It provides child and youth development, early childhood development, nutrition, food, security and support services, family support services and primary healthcare to surrounding communities.

“We will now be able to offer Johannesburg residents access to the same holistic programme we offer at our other five centres of excellence and implement our cradle-to-career interventions,” said NGO Afrika Tikkun’s CEO, Marc Lubner.
He said this would bring hope to Hillbrow and its surrounds. 

On Wednesday, the Uthando Centre’s ambassador, Miss SA Teen 2011, Celeste Khumalo spoke about the future of youth in surrounding communities. “Even though the centre is here to help, the youth should want to be helped,” said Khumalo.

She said youths should take advantage of the centre by using it as a stepping stone in changing their lives for the better.

After a number of speeches, children from the Alexandra Township’s Afrika Tikkun Centre kept the crowd intrigued with their dance performances.

MEC for infrastructure development in Gauteng, Qedani Mahlangu, made a commitment to ensure surrounding communities benefit from government buildings that are not being utilised.

“I wish to see more businesses do what Afrika Tikkun has done... Without basic needs the dignity of any human being is compromised. The centre gives people confidence,” said Mahlangu.