DCS partners with Ayanda Msweli Foundation to hand over a house
This initiative by the Msweli Foundation, requesting ordinary South African citizens to donate as little as R10 to assist destitute families has reinforced the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in the Ncome management area has once again partnered with the Ayanda Msweli Foundation to hand over a newly-built house through crowd-funding, popularly known as ‘Inkonzo yebhakede’. The house was given to Gogo Mahlaba, who had been living in a roofless rondavel. This initiative by the Msweli Foundation, requesting ordinary South African citizens to donate as little as R10 to assist destitute families has reinforced the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’. The house that was handed over is a modern structure that boasts two bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen and a bathroom with hot water, plus a flushing toilet. This gesture from the foundation, Department of Correctional Services, and South African citizens has not only brought comfort to Gogo Mahlaba but has restored her dignity as well.
The Ncome area commissioner, Anthony Gina, commended the astounding work that was done by the ‘offenders’ (prison inmates) in building Gogo’s house. Gina reminded the community that rehabilitating offenders is not only the responsibility of the department but rather a social responsibility.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure that they do not re-offend by accepting them, because they have served their term, and provide them with work because you have seen what they are capable of building,” said Gina.
Ayanda Msweli thanked everyone for the overwhelming response which made it possible for the building material to be procured. He went on to thank Thoko Madonsela, a Good Samaritan who requested to stay with Gogo Mahlaba while her house was being constructed. Seven Times Seven Funerals donated furniture and food for those who attended the handover, while Avbob donated groceries to ensure that Gogo had something to eat in her new house. Gogo Mahlaba expressed her joy and happiness by singing a hymn. She went on to thank the Ayanda Msweli Foundation, The Department of Correctional Services, and Thoko Madonsela, who accepted her into her home and treated her like her own mother.
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