Foundation and government hand over brand-new houses
Following years of suffering and living in a dilapidated corrugated shack, two destitute families of KaHhoyi Village received fully furnished houses as well as other household necessities.
The beneficiaries are Gogo Lucia Khoza (84) and orphaned Penuel Singwane (20) who lives with his grade 11 brother.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation, Collen Mashawana Foundation, Ntiya Traditional Council and Department of Human Settlements made the handover and donations possible.
While beaming with gratitude and happiness, Khoza could not believe her eyes as she was ushered into her new home. “No words can explain how grateful I am. Thanks for your generosity and for changing my life,” she said.
Singwane, whose parents passed away a few years ago, echoed her sentiments. “We are extremely excited that today we going to sleep in a warm and safe house. Thanks to the donors and government for keeping their promises.”
The Collen Mashawane Foundation’s founder, Collen Mashawane, emphasised that it was important for private sectors to collaborate with government to fight against the challenges the country faces. “Last month we had a sod-turning ceremony for both families and now it really brings joy to my heart to witness a gogo and a child-headed family receiving their own houses.”
The MEC for the Department of Human Settlements, Speedy Mashilo, explained that as part of Mandela Day celebrations, the department and the two foundations had made a commitment to build decent houses for both families.
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“We made a promise and today we are handing over these fully furnished houses to honour that commitment,” he said. Mashilo extended his gratitude to all participating stake-holders who had made it all possible.
The handover was graced by the presence of the national social development minister, Lindiwe Zulu, the provincial social development MEC, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, and Inkhosi Sandile Ngomane.
