In the heart of Afri-village in Randfontein, Dumela Day Care and Preschool is celebrating a new chapter, with upgraded classrooms, sanitation facilities, and learning materials that will help local children learn and grow in dignity.
From humble beginnings to community cornerstone
Led by Principal Ms Lenah Pulane Lebitsa and Administrator Mr Isaac Oupa Mokgele, Dumela Day Care has been serving the Randfontein community since 2019, when it was first established in Munster near Randgate. Born out of a response to the growing number of abandoned and vulnerable young children in the area, the centre began operating from a small shack and quickly became a safe haven for local families. Ms Lebitsa and her husband supported children through a feeding scheme and by providing toys and care, driven by a deep desire to make a difference.
Over time, the principal sought a more permanent home where the centre could expand and comply with municipal by-laws. With the support of local stakeholders, Dumela Day Care now caters to 42 children aged between 2 and 6 years old. Until recently, however, the centre operated from corrugated iron structures without access to sanitation for the children.
In partnership with Breadline Africa, the DO MORE FOUNDATION (DMF) identified Dumela Day Care as a deserving site for infrastructure support after a thorough assessment process. The recommendation came through DMF’s Technical Committee, and a site visit confirmed that the centre met key criteria. This included an active lease for the land, a clear growth vision, and evidence of initiative such as starting a food garden and submitting all required compliance documents.
Through this collaboration, Dumela Day Care has now received two brand-new classrooms, four children’s toilets, a JoJo water tank, and learning and teaching materials to equip the new spaces. These improvements ensure that children now have a safe, stimulating environment in which to learn and play.
“Seeing the transformation at Dumela Day Care has been incredibly inspiring,” says Rebotile Matoane, ECD Project Manager at DMF. “What started as a small centre with big dreams is now a place where children can learn and play safely every day. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passionate people like Ms Lebitsa are supported with the right resources and when communities, partners, and organisations like Breadline Africa and DO MORE FOUNDATION work together to give children a stronger start in life.”
Dumela Day Care will benefit from ongoing support from DMF including nutrition initiatives, capacity building, parent/caregiver support, and other early childhood development programmes designed to strengthen both the centre and the community it serves.
Media are invited to attend the official launch of the upgrade:
Venue: Dumela Day Care & Pre-school, Plot No. 4, Wildotsdal, Greenhills, Randfontein
