A YEAR-LONG journey filled with hope, prayer, and persistence reached its conclusion last week when Ncebakazi Dotwana and her daughter, Aliza, officially received the keys and title deed to their new home delivered through The Gifted Project in partnership with Wimble Attorneys.

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The handover marks a life-changing moment for the family who came to Durban from the Eastern Cape three years ago to seek medical attention for Aliza who was born with congenital glaucoma and is blind and deaf.

Ncebakazi, who is a full-time caregiver to Aliza, had previously lived in an informal settlement near Springfield Park where she met Lea Wimble through social media, anonymously at first.

It was a social media post from occupational therapist Caitlin Waters who shared Aliza’s story, explaining the financial challenges Ncebakazi faced trying to get her daughter into a special needs school.

Wimble saw the post and quietly stepped in, covering Aliza’s school fees anonymously.

The Northglen News then published the good news and eventually Wimble met the Dotwanas at Aliza’s party at school.

However, things took a turn for the worse and the Dotwanas had to return to the Eastern Cape as they no longer could live in Durban.

Then one Sunday in September 2024, while at church, Wimble said she felt the Lord say, ‘What about the little girl that used to sit at your table? Where is she?’, prompting her to make contact with Ncebakazi.

Fast forward to a few weeks later, Ncebakazi returned to Durban and The Gifted Project set the wheel in motion to find the Dotwanas a home.

“The time has finally arrived and we are so happy to be a part of Ncebakazi’s happy ending. We wanted to ensure that whatever The Gifted Project does is a blessing and not a burden.

Since Ncebakazi has no other income, we searched for a property that could be subdivided to help her generate rental income,” said Wimble.

After a few months’ search, the team secured a suitable property in March, followed by nine months of transfer processes and renovations.

The flat has now been partitioned into two units, complete with an additional bathroom, cupboards, tiles, and fresh paint.

One side of the property will serve as a rental unit with its own entrance, offering Ncebakazi a sustainable income stream.

The handover was emotional for the new homeowner.

“I am so, so excited and grateful to Lea and The Gifted Project and to everyone who assisted in making this possible,” said Ncebakazi.

“If someone told me that one day I would have my own home, I probably would not have believed them. But look at what God has done for me and Aliza. There is power in prayer.”

Walking into the home for the first time last Thursday brought her to tears.

“I was overwhelmed with emotion. I just burst into tears. I am so happy to finally have a safe place. Living in an informal settlement, you never know what can happen. Fires break out all the time. Here, we are safe, and I am so happy.”

Wimble described the process as both challenging and deeply rewarding.

“It wasn’t without hiccups; building and renovations always come with hurdles; but people stepped in and helped us along the way. It’s very humbling. It’s much more rewarding to give than to receive, and it makes it so much easier to wake up every day knowing this is what our work accomplishes,” she added.

The Dotwanas said they are looking forward to celebrating their first Christmas in their new home.

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