Pretoria - As part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, the Gauteng government has handed over 16 houses to vulnerable families in Bekkersdal, Westonaria.
The beneficiaries included child-headed households, elderly, people living with disabilities and vulnerable women.
Among the beneficiaries was gogo Betty Maduna, 72, whose plight was brought to the Leihlo La Sechaba programme on SABC 2.
Maduna and her granddaughter were renting a room in Kagiso where her mentally challenged grand-daughter was repeatedly raped and abused by males who were renting in the same property.
A teary Maduma said that she thought God had forsaken her after she endured so much pain at the hands of abusers.
“Today I want to tell you that God has answered my prayers. I have imagined myself in this position. I thought everyone had abandoned me and my family. I would like to thank the people who contributed to my rescue,” said Maduma.
Speaking at the house handover ceremony, Gauteng MEC of Human Settlements Jacob Mamabolo congratulated Leihlo La Sechaba for highlighting the plight of this family.
“This is a sad story that could have remained unknown and this family would not have been assisted. By bringing the plight of Betty Maduma and her family to our attention, we were able to work with Westonaria Local Municipality to bring much needed relief to this family,” said MEC Mamabolo.
The MEC warned the beneficiaries to be careful of corrupt officials.
“We are here to give these houses to you for free. No one should come here and tell you to deposit a certain amount of money into their personal accounts. You do not have to pay a cent. These houses are for free,” the MEC said.
The Westonaria Borwa Executive Mayor, Nonkoliso Tundzi, said that she is very happy for the beneficiaries and that their lives will never be the same again.
“I would like to reiterate the call of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. We must rally our communities behind this campaign.” – SAnews.gov.za
