Disabled people to get Centre of Excellence in Mamre

MICHAEL September, a respected community leader from Mamre, is working to realise a long-held dream: to create a Centre of Excellence for Disabled People that brings support, dignity, and opportunity to those often left behind.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

For years, Michael has led Lief en Leed, a grassroots organisation he helped establish in the 1980s to support disabled people in his community. From skills training to handcraft projects, food distribution and social inclusion events, the organisation has made a meaningful impact - but September said it's time to grow.

"A lot of people are still being left behind," he explained. "We did a survey earlier this year and found 146 disabled people in Mamre who are not involved in any support programmes, not working, and not connected to anything. We need to reach them."

The new centre will be designed to serve people with a wide range of disabilities - including those with cerebral palsy, those who are deaf or blind, individuals with Down Syndrome, and people with intellectual or mental disabilities. But September stresses that the aim is not just care - it's empowerment.

"The centre will be a place where people can come to learn skills, find purpose, and contribute," he said. "It's not just about giving - it's about creating opportunity."