Lesufi, GTGF hand over renovated house to Katlehong family
The family’s home was renovated by the Ekurhuleni-based businessman, philanthropist and founder of GTGF, Given Muhlarhi.
Given the Giver Foundation (GTGF) and MEC for education Panyaza Lesufi officially handed over a renovated house to the Phalane family in Maphanga section, Katlehong on April 11.
The family’s home was renovated by the Ekurhuleni-based businessman, philanthropist and founder of GTGF, Given Muhlarhi.
This gesture follows after Muhlarhi was heartbroken by the living conditions 72-year-old Sipho Phalane and his family had to endure since August when their home collapsed.
The family’s story was published in February. Photographs of their destroyed furniture were published on social media by family friend Josiah Cindi (70) and other empathetic South Africans as the family was seeking assistance for food and to repair their damaged home.
Muhlarhi visited the Phalane family on March 6 to donate food and committed to assisting the family to renovate their home.
Lesufi said the spirit of ubuntu or botho means when you can, assist those who can’t.
“We must encourage young people to know that materialistic things will forever be there, but a heart-warming gesture is something we need in society. For us to come to open such a beautiful house for someone who is not capable or able to do it themselves is a heart-warming story,” said Lesufi.
“That is why some of us left whatever we were doing just to come here to say thank you to Given for doing this,” he said.
Muhlarhi said the house was in a very bad state when he visited the family.
“There was no way a person could live like that, it was bad. There weren’t any tiles, the furniture was damaged and the roof collapsed at some point,” said Muhlarhi.
He said the guy he appointed to renovate is his best friend who owns a construction company.
“We pray every day that God gives us strength to assist as many as we can. I appeal to all others who are able to do it, the little you do goes a long way, and it changes lives somewhere, I encourage you to do it,” said Muhlari.
Phalane said it was terrible during the rainy season, fortunately, they have back rooms where the children are safe.
He said they have been living in the Maphanga section for more than a decade. It was a three-room house that he extended while he was still employed at a gas company in Alrode.
“I am grateful for the assistance that Muhlari has offered me. I wish him well and I wish he continues to help others who are in need,” said Phalane.
