May 2025, Pretoria – The Ubuntu Inclusive Centre has officially launched its much-anticipated Inclusive Healthcare Clinic, a ground-breaking initiative to address the healthcare challenges faced by vulnerable and underserved communities, particularly children and persons living with disabilities. The launch event took place earlier this month at the Ubuntu Inclusive Centre in Kwa Thema, Springs and was supported by key partners including The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM).
The Ubuntu Inclusive Centre Clinic was born out of a deep need to bring healthcare services closer to those often neglected by mainstream health systems. Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasizing shared humanity and mutual care, the clinic embraces a holistic model of care, ensuring dignity, accessibility, and inclusivity for all patients.
“Our community has long struggled with barriers to healthcare, especially those living with disabilities. The opening of this clinic represents more than just a healthcare facility—it’s a space of hope, belonging, and meaningful care,” said Clinic Manager, Ms. Refilwe Mothibi. “We’ve designed the centre to cater to the needs of those who typically fall through the cracks of traditional systems.”
The clinic offers a broad range of services, including:
- Primary healthcare consultations (in-person and virtual)
- Child wellness and immunisation programmes
- HIV counselling, testing, and treatment
- Inclusive family planning and reproductive health
- Occupational and speech therapy for children and adults
- Community outreach, advocacy, and support services
What sets this clinic apart is its emphasis on inclusivity. Wheelchair-accessible design, sign language interpretation, and a sliding-scale payment model to ensure services are accessible to those who need them most. Therapy services, often unavailable or under-resourced in public healthcare systems, are provided regularly, removing the wait times and travel barriers that have historically deterred parents and caregivers from seeking consistent care.
One of the clinic’s most notable partnerships is with FEM, which continues to support the Ubuntu Inclusive Centre through various health and safety-focused CSI initiatives. Most recently, FEM committed to funding the addition of a physiotherapist to strengthen the clinic’s therapy offerings, complementing the existing occupational and speech therapy programme.
“FEM has walked this journey with us,” said Ms. Mothibi. “Their ongoing support has been critical in shaping our inclusive healthcare model. The physiotherapy component will complete our allied health offering and allow us to better serve children living with disabilities.”
The clinic is a natural extension of Ubuntu Inclusive Centre’s longstanding commitment to early childhood development and disability inclusion. It forms part of a broader ecosystem of support that includes family well-being, education, skills development, and healthcare, aiming to uplift communities holistically.
Strategic partnerships with the Department of Health, Department of Education, the Baby Therapy Centre, and the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (which funded the clinic’s construction) bring additional layers of expertise, mentorship, and sustainability.
Looking ahead, Ubuntu Inclusive Centre will deepen its work through mobile health units, local partnerships with ECD centres and clinics, and advocacy campaigns focused on disability rights and early intervention. The Centre welcomes public involvement, urging individuals, corporate partners, and NGOs to contribute through funding, skills sharing, or volunteering.
For more information about the Ubuntu Inclusive Centre Clinic, visit www.ubuntuinclusive.org.
About Ubuntu Inclusive Centre
Ubuntu Inclusive Centre is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting inclusive early childhood development, disability rights, and holistic community care. Through its education, healthcare, and advocacy programmes, the centre empowers marginalised communities to lead lives of dignity, health, and opportunity.
About FEM
The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) is a mutual insurer providing workmen’s compensation cover to the construction industry. FEM is committed to promoting safer workplaces and supporting health and safety initiatives in communities across South Africa. Visit: https://www.fem.co.za/
Media Contact:
Name: Ms. Magugu Dlamini (1Africa Consulting – Communications Agency)
Contact Number: 010 824 5611 / 074 056 5917
Email: magugu@1africaconsulting.co.za
