Thembelihle receives much-needed facelift

It was a joyous day when Barberton Mines officially handed over the Thembelihle Cerebral Palsy Centre’s new building in Emjindini Trust on Friday.

The centre was launched in 2008 and registered the year after. It provides services and care to 41 children with this disease. The centre previously operated from a one-room shack, with no infrastructure.

Thembelihle now consists of two master bedrooms, two classrooms, each accommodating up to 30 children, a kitchen, dining area, girls’ and boys’ bedrooms, specially designed bathrooms to accommodate those with physical disabilities, laundry and an admin block.

According to the founder, Ennie Masita, her inspiration to start the centre was her second child, who was born with cerebral palsy (CP).

“I had to go away and work out of town, then I had to drop my son off at a centre. When I returned, I was heartbroken to see the way he looked. When I asked them why, they told me that he was not well. He was not eating and looked terrible.

“My parents had already passed away, so I knew my child was my responsibility, and due to his condition I couldn’t imagine any other person being able to carry the burden for me.

“My child had lost so much weight; some of his bones were visible. After thinking hard, I decided to meet up with local women to start a place where we could take care of children with this condition,” Masita explained.

“We provide them with food, show them how to take care of themselves, teach them how to bath and brush their teeth, show them how to hold a pen and how to write.”

According to Martin Pieters, finance and admin manager of Barberton Mines and treasurer of Barberton Mines Transformation Trust, management did not understand the need for a proper structure for Thembelihles until they sent their corporate and social investment office to do a thorough investigation.

“We were touched when we learned about the condition itself and the number of children receiving services from the centre. It is not easy raising and caring for a child with CP, even if you have all the resources,” he stated.

“One must commend Masita and the team for caring and loving those children under extremely difficult conditions. Besides the necessities, the condition of the shack was not even conducive to accommodate even able-bodied children.

“Today marks a new beginning for those kids, as we are handing over a complete and fully furnished place, bringing back the pride of our communities. This new facility will enable them to assist and train these children to achieve their maximum independent living skills.”

Pieters said the construction of the building created employment for 45 local residents and 10 local service providers. “I would like to thank the Emjindini Traditional Authority for donating the land to us so that we could build a place that will benefit the community and its surrounding areas for many more years to come.

“May I also offer my best wishes to the staff and board members of Thembelihle Cerebral Palsy Centre, as they continue with their work in the new structure.”

Masita extended her warmest gratitude to everyone who played a role and for everything they had done for them. “We really appreciate what they have done,” she exclaimed.

The centre is one of Barberton Mines’ efforts to contribute to the upliftment of disadvantaged communities.