MEC for Free State Public Works Dibolelo Mance
By Thabo Mosia
Bloemfontein, Free State – On March 12, 2025, MEC Dibolelo Mance, the Member of the Executive Council for Public Works and Infrastructure in the Free State, handed over the Phase Two section of the Tshireletsong Children’s Home to the Department of Social Development. The upgrade, featuring new office blocks and consultation rooms, aims to improve services for vulnerable children in Bloemfontein and beyond. This milestone project not only enhances the facility but also boosts the local economy by creating jobs and supporting young contractors.
The Tshireletsong Children’s Home has been a lifeline for children facing tough times in the Free State. It offers shelter, care, and hope to those who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Back in 2021, the building was hit hard by vandalism, leaving it in bad shape. MEC Mance explained, “this building was badly vandalized in 2021… the department decided together with social development that we must actually renovate this building at amount of about 45 million.” That decision kicked off a major upgrade, with Phase Two now complete.
This project didn’t just fix a broken building—it brought real benefits to the people of Bloemfontein. Costing around 45 million rand, the upgrade created work for many locals. MEC Mance proudly shared, “women benefited as subcontractors amount of about 5 million was given to our cdps these are young men and women who had initially participated in our contractor development program… about 300 were appointed on this particular project.” Three young contractors got a share of 5 million rand through the program, while subcontractors pocketed 11 million rand. That’s money flowing back into the community, helping families and small businesses grow.
The new-look Tshireletsong Children’s Home is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where children and families can find support. The Phase Two upgrade added office blocks and consultation rooms to make life easier for social workers and their clients. Acting Head of Social Development, Nelisiwe Ntombela, said, “The delivery of these facilities (offices and consultation rooms) means a lot to us as this will help in the enhancement of rendering the social support service to our clients and members of the Free State at large.” More private consultation spaces mean clients can talk openly, building trust with the professionals helping them.
The facility also got a modern upgrade with smart features. MEC Mance highlighted, “we are handing over to you a beautiful building state of the art building with modern technology because when you walk into our offices the offices switches off when you walk out the offices switches off.” Solar panels and energy-saving lights were added too, cutting down on electricity costs and helping the environment. Plus, the kids now have sporting facilities and swimming pools to enjoy, giving them a chance to play and stay healthy.
MEC Mance couldn’t hide her excitement during the handover ceremony, joined by Advocate TJ Phahlo, Acting Head of Public Works and Infrastructure, and senior managers from both departments. After a walk-about, she praised the contractors for their top-notch work. “The work that has been done here is quality work,” she said, adding a plea to Social Development: “we are handing over to you a beautiful building… we are hopeful that in the few months we will not come back here looking at a building that is beginning to cramble.” Her words show how much this project means to her and the province.
For the Department of Social Development, this upgrade is a game-changer. Ntombela explained, “This is a one-stop centre for children: the assessment that a child needs care and protection and placement in terms of the Children’s Act is done right here.” From counseling to court placements, everything happens under one roof now, making it easier for kids to get the help they need. “The completion of the phase two section of the Centre has come at the perfect time for us,” she added.
The project also saves money in the long run. Before the upgrade, Social Development rented office space. Now, moving into a state-owned building cuts those costs. MEC Mance noted, “them coming back to a state own building it clearly indicates to us that we are reducing on the resources that we used to pay rental where they are.” That’s more cash to spend on kids and families who need it most.
Looking ahead, MEC Mance sees this as just the start. “When we make our sites or our Province a construction site it does not only benefit government but it benefits smmes, it benefits women,” she said. More projects like this are planned, promising jobs and better services across the Free State. The teamwork between Public Works and Social Development has set a strong example for what’s possible when departments pull together.
The Tshireletsong Children’s Home upgrade shows how fixing a building can fix lives too. “It gives us joy and great pleasure to see the completion of Tshireletsong Children’s Home. Our central message is that, the life and social being of the children especially the vulnerable children will be cared for now,” MEC Mance said. For the kids of Bloemfontein, this means a safer, happier place to call home—and for the Free State, it’s a step toward a stronger, brighter future.
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