Ubuntu Inclusive Centre Launches Healthcare Clinic With Support From FEM

Key partners, such as The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM), offered support, says the Ubuntu Inclusive Centre. 

The Ubuntu Inclusive Centre says the clinic was born out of a need to bring healthcare services closer to those often neglected by mainstream health systems. Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasising 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," says Clinic Manager, Refilwe Mothibi. "We've designed the centre to cater to the needs of those who typically fall through the cracks of traditional systems."

The centre says 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, and
• 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 reachable 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, says the centre. 

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, the Ubuntu Inclusive Centre says 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," says 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, says the centre. 

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, adds the Ubuntu Inclusive Centre. 

Looking ahead, Ubuntu Inclusive Centre concludes that it 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, visit www.ubuntuinclusive.org.

*Image courtesy of contributor