Mothupi Malebye is making a significant impact in his community by working to build a cancer facility in Little Village, Lebotlwane, North West. After receiving a generous 10-hectare plot of land from the local headman, Malebye is seeking financial support for the project, which is estimated to cost around R5 million. The initiative is deeply personal to Malebye, who founded the Saving Life Foundation after losing four family members to various forms of cancer.
In partnership with the Moretele Local Municipality Department of Health, Malebye is encouraging people to stay proactive about their health. He stressed the importance of early detection, which could help prevent the spread of cancer. Although Malebye himself does not suffer from cancer, the loss of his father, sister, and two other relatives to the disease has driven him to help others facing similar challenges.
The proposed cancer centre is a beacon of hope for the village, as it will not only provide much-needed healthcare but also create jobs for local residents. Currently, the area lacks a hospital, and people often have to travel to distant towns like Jubilee Hospital or Bela Bela Hospital for treatment. Villagers, like Piet Sebueng and Willy Rapula, have expressed their excitement about the project, hoping it will make a significant difference in their community.
While the local mayor, George Manyike, has acknowledged the cancer centre’s potential, he noted that the municipality has yet to receive an official funding request. However, the tribal council has already granted the land, and there is a sense of optimism within the community, especially among people like Goitsemang Letwaba, who hopes the facility will provide better care for those battling cancer.
