Our quest to deal with the housing backlog requires joint effort and collaboration between government and the private sector. Mpumalanga MEC for Human Settlements, Mr Speed Mashilo, recently made this assertion after handing over two donated houses in Sibange and Mangweni Villages in Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga. Local businesses donated both houses as part of the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. Accompanying the MEC was the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Planning and Development Cllr. Jabulani Ndlovu.
The beneficiaries who received their houses are Ms Maria Khoza (92) from Sibange Village, who lives with her three grandchildren. The family has been living in a dilapidated structure and relying on her pension for sustenance. Her advanced age and ailing health could not express her joy as she only smiled and nodded. Her situation was no different from that of Ms Nomvula Ndlovu (34) from Mangweni Village, an unemployed and single parent. Ms Ndlovu has lived in a wrecked mud house with her two children. “I am happy I was residing in a mud house, not knowing what to do, but the government has changed the course of my life, may they continue helping others”, appreciated Ndlovu.
Addressing the community, MEC Mashilo called for businesses to be more involved in affording housing to those in need. “Our backlog is over 270 000 and it does not seem to be stabilising; we, therefore, commend business for donating these houses. Our partnership surely yields the desired results”, said Mashilo. In addition, he reported that the department has constructed over 1500 housing units in the past five years in various villages in the locality. Moreover, 3050 servicing of sites at KaMhlushwa are close to completion, with 1200 will be used for low-cost government-subsidised houses and the rest reserved for other typologies.
On behalf of the municipality, Cllr. Ndlovu echoed the MEC’s zeal with the Public Private Partnership (PPP), saying it strengthens democracy and a healthy economy. “We are grateful to the MEC and the donors. This initiative lessens the burden we have as the municipality as there are more people in need of help and we are hopeful that more is to come,” he said. He further said that the municipality is committed to working with the Department to address any lingering issues on human settlements.
The donors declared their commitment to continued relations with the government. Mr Solly Shabangu from Ncoshane Trading, who donated to build the Ndlovu house, said they could not accept the young woman's condition. “Our commitment to assisting is unwavering; hence, we deemed it necessary we intervene”, charged Shabangu. His sentiments resonated with those of Ms Karabo Motsepe from Corobrik, which constructed the Khoza house. Toba Consulting furnished both houses. More activities and delivery of services are still planned for other parts of the province as part of the campaign and general service delivery. The national campaign was launched by Deputy President Mr Paul Mashatile at Nsikazi, Kabokweni in the City of Mbombela late last month.
ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE
MPUMALANGA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
CONTACT: FREDDY NGOBE – 013 766 6014 / 082 859 4630/ flngobe@mpg.gov.za