Mankayane Elderly Home complete, ready for occupation

By Khulile Thwala

The Principal Secretary in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO) Melusi Masuku has confirmed that the Mankayane Elderly Home is complete and will be ready for occupation in April.

Masuku was speaking following a press briefing announcing the partnership with the Sincephetelo MVA Fund towards the elderly funeral cover.

According to the PS, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has completed the hiring process and occupation into the home will start in April. He further stated that about 40 elderly people will be selected through a selection process to be conducted by the office.

“We are happy to announce that the elderly home is complete and by April it will be ready for occupation. It is important to note that the elderly to occupy the house will be vetted accordingly to ensure that indeed they need the assistance and have no one to take care of them in their vulnerable state,” he said.

In 2022, the total estimated cost for the project initially undertaken to house 60 people increased to E37.2 million from E5.9 million. During a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting, Masuku mentioned that the completion of the home was due to paving outside the home which will ensure easy access for the elderly who use wheelchairs.

Meanwhile, the DPM’s Office announced that for the funeral cover, the elderly will be covered for E3 000. He indicated that not all elderly will be covered but the selection process will require that the office identify those who are needy.