LIMPOPO – The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba encouraged children from the impoverished Netshiongolwe family in Begwa village near Halambani to take their education seriously, despite being born and raised in difficult circumstances. She said she hoped to see future doctors, nurses and engineers emerge from the family.

“We want you to focus on education, because it can lift you out of poverty. I want to see you build a better future for yourselves and your family. You must live in a decent home with dignity,” she told them.

Ramathuba, who was joined by Vhembe Mayor Freda Nkondo and several councillors, visited the family on July 18, on which International Mandela Day is commemorated. Her visit was also aimed to monitor the start of construction of a five-roomed house for the family.

She explained that she had been deeply moved after receiving information from a concerned community member about the family’s living conditions. The children and their parents had been staying in a mud hut and an old tent.

With the help of MEC for Coghsta Basikopo Makamu, the premier approached one of the developers contracted by Coghsta to assist in building a decent house for the family.

“It is painful to see children living with their parents in a one-roomed structure, without privacy or dignity. It affects them emotionally and psychologically, and also impacts their education. I want to see these children succeed and one day invite us to their graduation ceremonies.”

Khathu Mavhina, a family friend, said he and Dr Ndanganeni Phaswana, both members of the Echo Foundation for Social Development, could not stand by while the family lived in such terrible conditions.

“We took the matter seriously and approached Premier Ramathuba. We are happy that she listened and acted, and now we are seeing the results.”

The father of the family, Ndobvangomu Netshiongolwe, who is unemployed and has six children, said life had been extremely difficult without proper housing.

“There was no privacy between me, my wife and the children. During rainy days, we suffered. I am very grateful for the premier’s intervention. This has made our dream come true,” he said. He added that he would encourage his children to take their education seriously and work hard to break the cycle of poverty.

A representative from Coghtsta said that the road leading to the Netshiongolwe home was also being developed, as the area is mountainous. The official said the house would be completed soon and officially handed over to the family.