Giving more children access to dignity, education and opportunity in Lephalale
At Sedibeng Special School in Lephalale, Limpopo, a partnership between Babcock, Eskom and the Department of Basic Education is helping create safer, more inclusive spaces where children with special educational needs can learn, grow and thrive.
The project saw six accommodation units repurposed into fully equipped hostels, classrooms and therapy spaces designed specifically for learners with disabilities. Four units were converted into boys’ and girls’ hostel accommodation, while two were transformed into classrooms and therapy rooms.
For Babcock, the initiative reflects more than infrastructure support. It aligns directly with the company’s purpose of creating “a safe and secure world, together” and its broader commitment to supporting communities through meaningful, long-term impact.
Creating meaningful impact through partnership
Refiloe Mukoka, Head of Commercial at Babcock, says projects like Sedibeng highlight the importance of inclusive community investment.
“Within South Africa, we have many children who are not in schools - especially disabled children who need specialised support. An initiative like this brings dignity to kids. It helps them feel included and valued within society.”
Mukoka says the collaboration between Babcock, Eskom and partners demonstrates how industry can work together to create sustainable social impact.
“Projects for learners with disabilities and special educational needs align with Babcock’s purpose because we can showcase inclusive solutions that reinforce safety, accessibility and social value.”
The initiative also reflects Babcock’s wider CSI focus areas, which include education, inclusion and community upliftment. Between 2023 and 2025, Babcock invested more than R98.5 million in people, communities and environmental initiatives across Africa.
Equipping spaces for learning and care
As part of the project, Babcock was responsible for furnishing and equipping all six units.
Marcel Coetzee, Project Manager at Babcock, says the contribution included beds, couches, TVs, therapeutic equipment, learning materials, fridges and industrial appliances.
More than 100 beds had to be manufactured, transported from Gauteng to Limpopo and assembled on site within tight timelines.
“The collaboration between us, Eskom and the school was fantastic,” says Coetzee. “Everyone worked together to make sure things got done.”
For Coetzee, the most rewarding part was seeing the reaction from the children.
“The joy you get from children when they see new things - it’s like Christmas in the middle of the year.”
Expanding access to specialised education
Founded in 1993, Sedibeng Special School supports learners with hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities and profound learning challenges through specialised curriculum programmes and skills development initiatives.
Principal Merlyne Malepa says overcrowding had become one of the school’s biggest challenges, with long waiting lists and limited hostel capacity preventing many learners from being admitted.
“This project has helped us a lot because this year we managed to take all the learners that were on the waiting list,” says Malepa.
The new facilities are expected to improve conditions for learners and caregivers while creating access to more specialised educational resources and support.
Supporting communities beyond operations
For Eskom, the project forms part of its broader commitment to supporting communities surrounding its operations.
Rofhiwa Nemutandani, Engineering Manager at Eskom, says partnerships with companies like Babcock play a vital role in helping deliver sustainable community initiatives.
Henrietta Phuti Mabotja, Circuit Manager for the Waterberg District, says partnerships between business and government are essential in supporting education.
“The department always calls upon partners in the form of businesses and communities to assist in making sure every learner has access to the education they need.”
Engineering progress that reaches communities
The Sedibeng project reflects how Babcock’s engineering capability extends beyond industrial operations into the communities where it operates. Across Africa, the company’s CSI programmes continue to focus on education, enterprise development, inclusion and sustainability -helping create long-term impact that supports both people and progress.
As Principal Malepa puts it:
“Even the children still to be born will benefit from these resources in future.”
