Ezibeleni School for Physically Disabled Children receives vital support

Ezibeleni School for Physically Disabled Children in Katlehong recently received much-needed support and donations, including wheelchairs and other essential items.

The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, together with Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety Mzayifani Ngwenya, representing the Mayoral Office, and a representative of the Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, visited the school alongside the Mahlasedi Foundation on March 3 to hand over the donations and pledge assistance to the institution.

The school has been featured in the GCN over the past few months, highlighting the challenges it faces, including crime in the area, a lack of proper, fully functional school transport and the serious risk posed by the school being located on dolomitic land, where sinkholes threaten the safety of learners and staff.

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The handover ceremony opened with a performance by the school’s music department, which mesmerised guests with several renditions.

The school principal then welcomed the guests and reiterated the ongoing challenges faced by the institution.

In a brief address, Nkomo-Ralehoko assured the school that outstanding health services from the Gauteng Department of Health would be brought to the school through the Integrated School Health programme under her leadership.

She explained that after meeting the principal one Sunday after a church service, they had a long and meaningful conversation about the state of the school and its urgent need for assistance.

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“I normally go to church every Sunday when time allows. On one such Sunday, I visited a church in Katlehong and, by God’s grace, the leader of the church turned out to be the principal of this very school.

“After the service, we had a meaningful discussion during which he shared the challenges facing Ezibeleni as a special school, including the urgent need for wheelchairs and other essential items to support the learners. That conversation stayed with me because it came from a place of care and responsibility,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

Addressing the audience, Nkomo-Ralehoko acknowledged the welcome by the school’s principal, Mendy Welcome, and praised his leadership, dedication and commitment to the learners. She said his work, together with that of the school’s staff, continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children.

Nkomo-Ralehoko noted that running a special school requires not only strong administrative ability but also patience, empathy and understanding. She emphasised that educators at the school remain committed to providing quality education and care despite the unique challenges they face each day, and said their role in nurturing learners with disabilities is both important and valued.

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Reflecting on her earlier conversation with the principal, she said it served as a reminder that meaningful solutions often begin with genuine conversations and careful listening.

The discussion helped bring attention to the daily realities faced by learners and educators at the school, which ultimately led to efforts to secure support.

After receiving a formal request from the school for wheelchairs, school shoes, dignity packs, groceries and other essential items, the department began seeking partners who shared the same vision of social upliftment. Through this process, they connected with the Mahlasedi Foundation, led by Dr Fumani Maswanganyi, which responded positively to the request for assistance.

Nkomo-Ralehoko expressed gratitude to the foundation for its support, noting that its intervention would make a meaningful difference in the lives of the learners and their families.

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She added that the spirit in which the donation was made reflects compassion and a willingness to act when communities face real challenges.

“Partnerships between government and organisations such as the Mahlasedi Foundation help bridge immediate gaps while broader systems continue to improve. Such collaborations demonstrate how shared responsibility and collective action can help address the needs of vulnerable communities,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

Nkomo-Ralehoko also highlighted the importance of the donated items, explaining that wheelchairs provide mobility, independence and dignity for learners with physical disabilities, while school shoes help restore confidence and a sense of belonging.

Dignity packs and groceries, she added, also bring relief to families who may be facing financial pressure. She reiterated that the government remains committed to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and promoting inclusive education.

This includes investing in accessibility, assistive devices and supportive services to ensure that learners with disabilities are able to participate fully in school and society.

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She further encouraged the learners of Ezibeleni to remain hopeful and continue striving towards their goals.

She reminded them that their circumstances do not define their future and assured them that government, educators, families and community partners will continue to support them on their educational journey.

MMC for Community Safety, Mzayifani Ngwenya, said the city supports the work done by the partners involved in the initiative, noting that their contributions directly benefit underprivileged learners.

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Ngwenya also commended the school’s leadership, saying the institution is well organised. He highlighted the MEC’s commitment to intervene in the school’s ongoing transport challenges, particularly the need for a school bus.

He further expressed hope that the relevant departments would expedite efforts to relocate the school to a safer site, as it is currently situated on dolomitic land. Addressing safety concerns, Ngwenya assured the school that the municipality would assist in dealing with crime-related issues affecting the institution and its surrounding community.