The Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has officially opened a newly built house for Ntombikayise Nxumalo,
A 54-year-old unemployed mother of nine, who had been living in a dilapidated stick-and-mud structure with her children and grandchildren.
The emotional ceremony, held in the Hawane area under Nkhaba Constituency, was said to be a life-changing moment for Nxumalo, who for years endured shame and despair over her living conditions.
RELATED: “Increase in SACU attributable to the people” – DPM
Nxumalo’s plight was brought to the attention of the Deputy Prime Minister in June this year by Nkhaba Member of Parliament during a Thanksgiving Ceremony.
Living in overcrowded and unsafe conditions, the family had no choice but to sleep in separate makeshift spaces, with the boys confined to the kitchen for their nights’ rest.
Despite the hardships, Nxumalo and her family were supported by their neighbours, who provided them with food and other basic necessities.
Senator Siphelele Mkhonta also played a key role in extending help to the family.
Standing before her new home, an emotional Nxumalo expressed her profound gratitude. “I am so happy today that finally I will sleep in a decent house with my children,” she said.
“I was so ashamed of myself and my home because all my neighbors have decent structures. But today God has answered my prayers. Thank you DPM and your team for reaching out.
In another event, the Deputy Prime Minister handed over a newly built Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP) for the Enhlonhleni community in Motshane Inkhundla.
RELATED: DPM opens sign language training workshop for parents of deaf students
The NCP is designed to serve as a safe and nurturing space for 20 children from Mount Sinai Pre-School.
Dladla urged the community to take ownership of the structure, ensuring its maintenance and longevity for the benefit of future generations.
“Take care of this structure,” Dladla said, addressing the gathered residents. “It is intended to provide a safe space for the children, and it is our responsibility to ensure it remains that way.”
In a pledge to continue supporting vulnerable members of the community, Dladla also committed to building a new home for homeless children currently living with their neighbors.