The MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng
Molapisi officially handed over a house to Mme Francinah Mahloko, a 107 year old granny who resides in Mabeskraal in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. The handing over was part of departmental Mandela month programme.
Mahloko is partially blind and even though she is 107 years of age, she can still walk for a short distance. She lives with her 63 year old daughter, Dinah Kgosiemang who is also her caregiver.
According to Kgosiemang her family has been has been living in a health hazardous shack for over forty years. She said they have been experiencing leakages on the roof during rainy seasons to a point where they had to use buckets to protect their furniture and electrical appliances.
Kgosiemang explained that her family lived in Bokfontein farms near Rustenburg, before they relocated to Mabeskraal with the hope of living a better life. She said that she is the only surviving child from the six siblings. Although she cannot be clear of the number of grand and great grandchildren, she estimates that they might be over 30 or more.
She said that the house has brought relieve and security to them as they have never known nor have hope of living in a proper structure.
MEC Molapisi said that while the department is still commemorating Nelson Mandela month, they also remember people like Mahloko. “We have seen Mahloko’s situation and we have decided to build a house for her to ensure that she lives in a dignified home.
Today we officially welcome her into her new home, where she will be in comfort. We do this in the spirit of Nelson Mandela and also
to remember those who are less fortunate”.
“The house was a donation from one of the construction companies that the department has been actively working with aimed at restoring the family’s dignity. This is what Nelson Mandela was about, he fought to restore our dignity.
Even if he is not around we should continue to abide by his words
and his ways,” added Molapisi.
Kgosiemang expressed her gratitude to the department and the developer. She said she is very happy that her family’s living conditions have been improved.
“I do not know what to say, that’s how happy I am, even if my mother were to leave us, she can at least rest in peace knowing that she has left us with a dignified home,” concluded Kgosiemang, while receiving the house keys on behalf of her mother.
The family also received food parcels donated by Department of Social Development and furniture donated by the construction company.
MEC Molapisi emphasized that the department is focussing on ensuring that women, child-headed families and people living with disabilities are prioritised in
housing delivery.
He said the department has a responsibility to ensure that the communities live a
better life as enshrined in the constitution and Freedom Charter, that all people shall have houses.
MEC Molapisi was accompanied by, Moses Kotane Local Municipality Acting Mayor Ziphora Motswenyane, the Head of Department of Human Settlements Kgomotso Mahlobo, representatives of the Batlhako-baa-Matutu royal family and officials from the Moses Kotane Local Municipality and Department of Human Settlements.
Ends#
Issued by the Department of Human Settlements (North West)
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