Simphiwe finally gets his house

The long wait for Mr Simphiwe Thomo (21) is finally over after his house promised by the ANCYL Gert Sibande Region was handed over to him last Thursday in Lochiel near Warburton.

The ANCYL committed to building him a house as their contribution to Mandela Day last year.

In their commitment, then secretary of the Youth League and now provincial deputy chairman, Mr Trevor Nkosi, said they could not ignore Simphiwe’s circumstances and the challenges he was facing and they wanted to do something meaningful to change his life.

A year late, the Youth League has kept its promise and Simphiwe was handed the keys to his furnished house.

In his handover address Mr Nkosi said they had built the lad a house to change his circumstances and restore his dignity so that he could live a normal life like his peers and focus on the important things, such as education.

He thanked business people, service providers, members of the community and everyone that played a role in making sure that Simphiwe’s house was completed.

“Where I come from, the whole village raises a child. I wish to encourage the neighbours and community to assist in looking after this young man. Simphiwe, you might be left alone, but know that we are your new family now,” said Mr Nkosi.

He also thanked the teachers for playing their role where they could and further encouraged them to ensure that the young man paid attention to his school work.

Simphiwe was warned to look after his house and refrain from gangsterism, drugs and alcohol.

In accepting his house, Simphiwe thanked the ANCYL for the house and everything they had done for him.

Speaking to the Highvelder, he said he owed it all to Trevor and his comrades for identifying him and he would repay them by doing well at school.

After their parents had died, Simphiwe was left alone by his siblings five years ago to fend for himself.

Last year he said he held no grudge against them and would always welcome them back with open arms.