The pensioner from Ga-Wale Village outside Tzaneen had been living in the house with his two grandchildren for many years. The house had a broken door and the roof was leaking, making it a nightmare to sleep in during rainy and cold nights. Two of his children are staying in the N’wamitwa area with their relatives as the situation at home does not allow for them to be there.

Both have lost their jobs on farms and are currently not in a situation to build a decent home for their father. Earlier in the year, Zillah Foundation, which is a sports rural development organisation, visited the family and found the situation to be dire. Sello Manyama, founder of the organisation told the Herald that the situation pushed him to lay a helping hand.

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Manyama contacted the Herald to ask for sponsors with building the old man a decent home, but not much came through. He eventually took it upon himself to start with the building of the newly four-roomed house, which has two bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, and a sitting room. Lucky Moshomane, owner of Makgatla Home Developers and Lucky Architectures helped with the design of the house.

He told Herald that he felt obligated to assist the Kubayi family, as he believes that charity begins at home. ‘‘Currently, we are in need of roofing material, glass windows, ceilings, paint, doors, and floor tiles. We are happy with how the project is progressing and we are pleading with the community at large and businesses further assist us,’’ Manyama added. For more information contact Sello Manyama on 060 710 7295.