Friday 2 December 2011 saw the launch of Ikamva Labantu’s Enkululekweni Wellness Centre in Khayelitsha – a momentous day that represents our vision to promote a better quality of life, and help reduce the burden of illness and disease  in township communities.

A new concept in community health management, the Centre acts as a hub for our Health & Nutrition Unit, which focuses on empowering communities to embrace preventative health, as opposed to struggling with avoidable chronic and acute health problems. We will achieve this through partnerships with the Department of Health, other non-profits and associations.

We were honored to hear from a range of speakers about the value and role that the centre is expected to play.  The importance of partnerships, and the contribution to broader development of the local community and infrastructure, was a recurring theme in the keynote address from our Protector, Maria Ramos, and the addresses by Mr Michael Benu (Chair of the Khayelitsha Development Forum), local Ward Councillor, Mr Patrick Mnqxuyeni and Mrs Nocawe Mankayi (Noceba Centre).

In addition, the vital role of wellness as a means to improve quality of life and free up the public health service was highlighted by Dr Keith Wimble, Head of the Health & Nutrition Unit at Ikamva Labantu, Dr Virginia Azevedo (City Health Manager for Khayelitsha) and Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille.

The opening of the centre is set to pave the way to a healthier way of life for our communities. Working with specialists and partners in areas like eye care, mental health, child health, and HIV and AIDS counseling, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Read our original press release, or for more details, photo’s and a video clip on the day’s activities, view this report from SuperNews.