Sweet boost for community healthcare centre
PRIORITISING the health of local communities, Tongaat Hulett on Friday officially handed over keys to the Ubizo Communal Property Association (CPA) which will be used by health officials servicing the public.
The agriculture and agri-processing business company is currently leasing farming land from the KwaCebekhulu clan in the Ubizo area of the City of uMhlathuze.
As part of its CSI, Tongaat Hulett set aside R500 000 for community-based projects, with this building the first such initiative.
Ubizo CPA’s chairman, Thomas Cebekhulu, explained they had been without a community clinic making access to healthcare challenging.
‘Even though the Department of Health was assisting with the mobile clinics, they had stopped due to crime. We then came up with the proposal for this building,’ said Cebekhulu.
Inkosi Nzikayezwe Cebekhulu thanked the health department officials for their commitment to bringing services to the people of Ubizo. He further commended the work of the Ubizo CPA, adding that they were ‘true leaders doing the work for the community’.
Cebekhulu said the community was grateful to Tongaat Hulett for the facility which would assist not only the land claim beneficiaries, but the entire community of Ubizo.
Tongaat Hulett’s socio-development officer, Sinethemba Kunene, said as part of the lease agreement, the company is committed to leaving a legacy behind for the people of Ubizo.
Kunene said this included renovating the office of the Ubizo CPA.
‘In the process of doing such, we have also taken in candidates to study junior and senior certificate courses in sugar cane farming to help them develop skills in farming,’ said Kunene.