By Lawrence Mashabela

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development has confirmed continued financial support for LCC, enabling the organisation to expand its community empowerment programmes.
• Lesedi Community Centre (LCC) operates a 68-bed shelter for abused women and children, a drop-in centre, a feeding scheme, and skills development programmes in sewing, knitting, and baking—with some beneficiaries successfully placed in employment.
• The centre’s holistic approach, combining rehabilitation, soft skills training, and job readiness, has transformed lives, with beneficiaries describing LCC as a “beacon of hope.”

The Lesedi Community Centre (LCC), a non-profit organisation based in Heidelberg in the Sedibeng District, is poised to expand its community empowerment programmes following renewed funding from the Gauteng Department of Social Development.

Since its establishment in 2013, LCC has remained steadfast in its mission to uplift communities in and around Heidelberg. The organisation delivers a range of interventions spanning skills development, social enterprise initiatives, and community wellness programmes, all aimed at fostering self-reliance and improving quality of life for vulnerable residents.

According to General Manager, Jaco Kritzinger, LCC continues to focus on inspiring, empowering, motivating, and equipping young people and community members to reach their full potential.

“Our aim is to make Lesedi Community Centre an inspiration of hope by providing youth and community members with opportunities and skills to realise their full potential and purpose, and to ensure that they are empowered to make a difference in their own lives and communities,” said Kritzinger.

He added that the organisation prioritises the upliftment of unemployed youth, individuals recovering from substance abuse, and vulnerable women from disadvantaged communities such as Ratanda.

The ever-growing organisation provides a range of services, including a short-term shelter for abused women and children with a capacity of 68 beds. Beneficiaries are supported through rehabilitation, life-skills development, and where possible, family reunification or reintegration into independent living.

LCC also operates a drop-in centre and a feeding scheme that provides cooked meals to vulnerable families.

Beyond immediate relief services, the centre places strong emphasis on long-term empowerment through skills development programmes such as sewing, knitting, and baking. Through its in-house bakery and training initiatives, many beneficiaries have been equipped with practical skills, with some being successfully placed in employment through partner organisations.

Kritzinger said soft skills development remains central to the organisation’s approach.
“Our programmes focus on preparing individuals for the real world through entrepreneurship, communication skills, confidence building, teamwork, problem-solving, and job readiness,” he said.

He further expressed appreciation for continued support from government.
“We are humbled and delighted that the Department has recognised our work and continues to entrust us with this responsibility of empowering and impacting the lives of vulnerable people,” he said.

Community member Michel Kotze, 46, from Boksburg, praised the organisation for its life-changing impact, describing it as a “beacon of hope” for Heidelberg and surrounding communities.

“I came here broken with little hope. I thought drugs had destroyed my life, but LCC revived my ambition and gave me a lifeline and hope that I can change my life again,” she said.

The continued funding from the Gauteng Department of Social Development is expected to enable LCC to expand its reach, strengthen existing programmes, and continue providing vital support, skills development, and empowerment opportunities to vulnerable individuals and families.