Lifesaving shelter is godsend for Stockville woman
Khanyisile Khumalo resorted to sleeping at neighbours’ houses as her two-room shack was on the verge of collapsing.
THERE were tears of joy as Stockville resident Khanyisile Khumalo (59) was blessed with a new shelter by the Upper Highway Vineyard Church.
Khumalo was in a desperate situation as her two-room shack was on the verge of collapsing.
“I feared for my life and even slept at neighbours’ houses, especially when the weather was bad. My health has deteriorated over the years – I suffer from diabetes, and my feet are always swollen.
“If anything happened to that shack, I would have struggled to make it out alive,” she said with a sigh.
Khumalo said she has resided in the area for more than 20 years.
“I stay with my partner. I do have two children, but they are at the farm,” she said.
Khumalo extended her gratitude to everyone who spread the word about her misery and the people who donated. “I now sleep peacefully,” she said.
Upper Highway Vineyard Church pastor Zolani Phakathi said that because the church works a lot with the community, they had to do something, especially with the coming rains.
“We were concerned about further damage and raised funds.”
According to Phakathi, Khumalo and her husband do not get a pension, and their only means of income is by looking after toddlers in their home.
“With her being in an informal settlement, we could not build a permanent structure for her. Through the church and the wider community, we were able to raise the funds needed to build a new home for her. A special thanks to GR Cabins who were able to build a wooden home on stilts at a discounted price – as well as to members of the community who assisted.
“It was heartwarming to see her face as we presented the keys to her new home.”
He added that the church is involved in a number of community outreach programmes. If anyone is interested in supporting and helping those in need, they can contact the Upper Highway Vineyard office at 031 767 2126.
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