Central SA
New veterinary centre brings animal health awareness to Ladybrand─── REFILWE BEKANE 15:00 Mon, 16 Mar 2026
The department of public works and infrastructure has restored a long-forgotten state asset in Ladybrand, transforming it into a veterinary hub for the community.
This newly renovated facility provides a dedicated base for the department of agriculture and rural development to manage animal health programmes and protect local livelihoods. The decision to restore the property followed an agreement between MEC Dibolelo Kathleen Mance and technical personnel to maximise the use of provincial assets.
It fulfils a specific need for a local base to manage animal health programmes and provide information on foot-and-mouth disease.
Public works and infrastructure spokesperson Mfundisi Maqubela said technical teams from the department conducted assessments to determine the requirements for the renovation before work commenced on the site.
Trained in various trades, they updated the structure to ensure it is useable and functional for the new occupants. “We identify buildings in various parts of the province to avail them to sister departments when the need arises,” said Maqubela.
The relationship between the public works and infrastructure, and the department of agriculture and rural development is described as central to the project.
Both teams consulted throughout the construction phase to ensure the alterations met the specific requirements of the veterinary staff. Similar collaborations have been used for other provincial projects, including libraries in other regions.
Maintenance, future projects
Agriculture and rural development will now be responsible for the daily upkeep of the office. “It is ready now, ready for them to utilise it.”
MEC Dibolelo Kathleen Mance. Photo: Free State department of public works and infrastructure
Looking ahead, public works and infrastructure plans to extend this repurposing strategy to areas like Welkom. Future projects will involve identifying buildings to support health services and other provincial agencies.
These efforts are part of a continuous move to monitor the provincial asset register and rehabilitate properties that have deteriorated over time.
Mance has called on the residents of Mantsopa to help protect the newly renovated facility. Since the building provides essential community services, the department emphasises the importance of local care for public infrastructure.
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