Pretoria - When Gloria Mokgothu’s shack in Klerksdorp’s Extension 12 was destroyed twice by fire outbreaks in 2012, she had to rebuild her shack from the debris and being a home owner was only a distant dream.
Thanks to the Nelson Mandela International Day, which was celebrated on 18 July 2015, Mokgothu is now a proud owner of a fully furnished five room house, which consists of two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and a bathroom with a toilet.
The house was donated by Masikhule Projects as they joined the rest of the world and heeded the call for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint by changing the lives of ordinary people.
Every year on 18 July South Africans and the international community honour former President and international icon, the late Nelson Mandela through the Nelson Mandela International Day.
This is an annual international day of humanitarian action in celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy.
A mother of four, Mokgothu, 55, shared the shack with her ill husband, Kenneth, 54. The whole family relies on her husband’s old age grant, which is the only source of income.
Receiving the house, an elated Mokgothu said her family will no longer run for cover during windy and rainy seasons.
“I have nothing but praises for Masikhule Projects for what they have done for me and my family and I wish them success in their business venture,” said Mokgothu.
Chief Operating Officer of Masikhule Projects, Major Nguphane also encouraged other business people to invest in changing the lives of their communities.
“If each one of us can help at least one person or one family, we can definitely make a huge difference in improving the quality of life of our people,’’ Nguphane said.
North West Local Government and Human Settlements MEC Collen Maine, who witnessed the hand over of the house, appealed to other business people to also join hands with government in changing the lives of disadvantaged communities.
“Government alone cannot reach out to each and every citizen. Those who are more fortunate must appreciate what they already have and plough back to their communities,” said MEC Maine.
Meanwhile, other several housing developers across the province have pledged to donate 29 houses to needy and destitute families throughout the province, as part of commemorating Nelson Mandela International Day.
Speaking to some of the families in Taung on Friday, MEC Maine said the department had through ward councillors, identified families living in awful conditions, especially where there are elderly and disabled persons. – SAnews.gov.za
