It was not a usual Friday morning for the Mafete and Lecomo families as they became proud owners
of new houses during the recent North West Provincial Government’s accelerated service delivery
programme, Thuntsha Lerole at Masutlhe 2, Mahikeng Local Municipality.
78 year old visually impaired Shuping Mafete, could not contain joy and happiness as he received
his new keys from North West Acting Premier and MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human
Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Patrick Dumile Nono Maloyi. According to Shuping, he has been
staying in a 1 roomed house with 5 dependants and did not have any form of privacy as the 1 room
served as a bedroom, kitchen and living space.
“Today is indeed a great day for me and my family, I would like to thank the government and
everyone who made this possible as our living conditions have been improved, it really means the
world to me” said Shuping.
Another beneficiary, 64 year old Mapula Lecomo who stays with one dependant also shared the
same sentiments as she was handed over with keys to her new house. Mapula is one of the many
residents who have been on the waiting list and said she is grateful to the provincial government as
she has finally been recognised.
“I will now be able to sleep in peace and comfortably unlike before because they shack that I have
been staying in with my daughter was a health hazard and often caused a risk to our health,
especially during winter season were we would get affected due to strong cold winds and rainy
season as the shack was leaking and got flooded every time when it’s raining,” said Mapula.
Acting Premier Maloyi acknowledged that his department is faced with a lot of housing backlog, but
promised that they will do everything in their bit to ensure that beneficiaries receive their houses as
the department is mandated to do so.
“Receiving a house is more than just a roof over your head; it’s about restoring dignity to those who
have had difficult lives and suffered in the past,” said Acting Premier Maloyi.
The department also handed over 135 title deeds to deserving beneficiaries as part of the ongoing
Title Deeds Friday campaign. This is another government initiative that seeks to recognise residents
as rightful owners of land and property.
Ends#
Issued by the Department of Human Settlements (North West)
Enquiries: Ms Dineo Lolokwane: Director: Corporate Communications & ICT
Tel no: (018) 388 2081
Cell no: 083 376 9400
Email: dlolokwane@nwpg.gov.za or
Mr Tumelo Maruping: MEC’s Spokesperson:
Tel: (018) 388 2884
Cell: 072 901 7653
