25-year wait is finally over
Mr Buthelezi was first notified of the couple by one of the CDW member.
After 25 years of waiting, gogo Elisabeth Kuki Thela (75) and Titos Masina from KwaZanele, Breyten have finally moved into their RDP house handed to them by the Speaker for Msukaligwa Municipality, Mr B.M. Buthelezi last Thursday.
The couple were presented with a fully furnished house, courtesy of Mr David Hlatshwayo, manager at Ermelo Price n Pride who donated a bedroom set, fridge, stove and kitchen unit, among others.
Another bed was donated by Mr Koos Badenhorst of Ermelo Toyota in his personal capacity, after they were both approached by Mr Vilakazi to assist them in restoring the couple’s dignity and presenting them with a furnished house.
Mr Vilakazi was first notified of the couple by one of the Community Development Workers (CDW), Mzwandile Malang, who requested assistance.
The couple relocated to KwaZanele in 1990 after they were were removed from Mooiplaas Farm near Breyten and have been on the waiting list for an RDP house.
The recipients of the house thanked the ward councillor, municipality, donors and everyone who made their dream come true.
Mr Buthelezi addressed the community and reminded them that provision of housing is a constitutional right and was one of the items contained in the Freedom Charter adopted in Kliptown in 1955.
“A house is a right to dignity, particularly for indigents, the aged, child-headed households and people with disabilities. The delivery of houses to our people should instil a culture of compassion.
“A special thank you to Mr Koos Badenhorst and Mr David Hlatshwayo for opening their hearts,” said Mr Buthelezi.
He encouraged the neighbours to look after the elderly couple and make sure that they do not fall victim to crime.
Mr Buthelezi also took the opportunity to remind people that the state subsidy states that a beneficiary shall not sell or otherwise alienate his or her dwelling within eight years.
“Since 1994, almost three million RDP houses have been built and to date about 3 411 have already been sold by beneficiaries to private owners.
Government is currently looking at legislating punitive measures against such sellers,” said Mr Buthelezi.
In closing, he requested contractors, sub-contractors and labourers to deliver quality work they take pride in, as poor people are sometimes ripped off with poor quality building. Government loses a lot of money from its R110 000 subsidy on each RDP house.
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