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By Saul Molobi
New Eersterus, Hammanskraal — On the latest stop of her mission to uplift African communities, Sithembile S’the Masia visited Mmabana Day Care and Pre-School Centre in New Eersterus, where early childhood education is transforming young lives despite the odds. Founded by Jennet Lefoka, Mmabana Day Care serves as a vital haven for 52 children aged 0 to 6, offering not just a place of learning but a sanctuary that provides stability in a community marked by economic hardship.
Jennet Lefoka’s vision for Mmabana Day Care was born from a pressing need she saw in her village, where young children, unable to afford school fees, often roamed the streets. With a team of four teachers, a cook, a gardener, and a dedicated principal, the centre provides essential education, nourishment, and care, helping to create a brighter future for the next generation.
Anastacia Lefoka, the manager at the centre, explains: “Most parents can’t afford to pay school fees due to unemployment. We saw a lot of children loitering in the streets, so we saw the necessity to start an organisation.” Yet, the financial struggle for Mmabana is real; with fees ranging from R470 for the youngest age group to a reduced R150 for children from indigent families, many households still find it difficult to pay.
Sithembile’s visit underscored her commitment to strengthening these grassroots initiatives. Recognising the critical role that Mmabana and similar centres play in enabling parents to work or pursue entrepreneurship with peace of mind, she is eager to support their development into fully equipped social hubs. “These centres enable families to go to work or pursue their entrepreneurial interests, knowing that their loved ones are taken care of,” she said. “My immediate goal is to help rebrand these centres as essential social development centres that provide crucial services in our communities.”
However, challenges abound. She expressed her dismay upon hearing that Mmabana has struggled to rezone its property due to stringent conditions, including a requirement for developing stormwater drainage. “It’s shocking,” she said, “How can someone in a rural village, with no sanitation and only one tarred road, be expected to develop such infrastructure?”
Determined to help, Sithembile aims to mobilise support from socially responsible corporations to partner with centres like Mmabana, where family contributions are minimal and sponsorships are essential for sustainability. She envisions creating tailored benefits for sponsors, positioning them as partners in community upliftment. Through these collaborations, she hopes to build sustainable funding models that not only ensure these centres thrive but also contribute to national development goals, supporting early childhood development as a foundation for long-term societal growth.
The journey of Mmabana Day Care serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection between grassroots initiatives and national progress. As Sithembile continues her advocacy across rural South Africa, her mission brings hope to underserved communities, ensuring that no child or family is left behind on the path to a brighter future.
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