Gogo Mziba opens her new home
The storm which passed through Phola ripped the roof off Mziba’s home and caused multiple structural defects to the building
It was a joyous moment which marked the end of a trying time for Gogo Mziba as she opened her newly renovated home which was wrecked by the February storm that hit Phola.
The caretaker to two of her primary school grandchildren remembers February 5 as having been a day that changed their lives and livelihood in the worst of ways.
The storm which passed through Phola ripped the roof off Mziba’s home and caused multiple structural defects to the building.
“I lost everything I had” Mziba said speaking to WITBANK NEWS. “I didn’t know what I was going to do as I do not work and my son, whom I live with his two kids, is also unemployed.”
News of affected homes in Phola made headlines in local media and Graham Ndlovu who is the community liaison officer for Mzimkhulu Colliery heard of Mziba.
“I heard of the affected home via the radio and I began to engage the mine on ways we could be of help to them. Working with the councillor of the area, we identified two homes which were the most affected by the storm and we pledged to assist them. The other home pulled out, but we remained committed to helping Gogo Mziba” Ndlovu said.
Ndlovu also mentioned that on to on the renovation budget they spent an additional R35 000 to furnish the house, which was the surprise for the day.
Wednesday June 19, marked the end of an era for Mziba and her two grandchildren Xolani and Naledi Mziba, as they walked into their newly renovated and furnished home.
“I am in disbelief walking into this house every day” Mziba said. “I still cannot believe that it is mine. My heart is full of thanks; I thank Mzimkhulu for what they have done for me.”
The handover ceremony saw an attendance by eMalahleni Executive Mayor Cllr Linah Malatjie.
