“Nkwe-ful” DPM handover four houses, NCP in Hhohho region
by Ncaba Ntshakala
The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla has recently handed over four newly built houses and a fully operational neighbourhood care point (NCP) in the Hhohho region, which was hailed as it will change the lives of several disadvantaged citizens and children in the process.
The handovers spanned four constituencies and involved stories of resilience, loss, and renewed hope.
At Siphocosini Inkhundla, the DPM opened a modest but dignified two-room house for Tengetile Shabangu, a 36-year-old mother of three whose life was upended in 2021 when her husband, a police officer, was tragically killed.
“After my husband died, his family evicted me and my children from our home in Ekufikeni. I had no choice but to move in with my sister,” Shabangu shared emotionally.
“We have suffered for so long. But now, thanks to the government, we have our own space and a foundation for healing.
” The land for the house was allocated to her earlier this year, and while the house is yet to be fully modified, it now offers safety and stability that was once a distant dream for the young widow and her children.
From Siphocosini, the DPM travelled to Ntfonjeni Inkhundla, Hhelehhele area, where she handed over another house to Siphiwe Madlopha, aged 46.
Madlopha’s house had been destroyed in a violent storm over a year ago, leaving her with no other option but to seek shelter in a tent.
“I’ve endured over a year of sleeping on the ground in the cold and rain. I didn’t think I would survive it,” Madlopha recounted.
The local community, recognising her plight, allocated her land, upon which her new house was constructed.
The relief on her face as she received the keys was testament to the importance of targeted government intervention for disaster-affected households.
72 year old receives new house after previous one collapsed
In Timphisini Inkhundla, the story of Gogo Tentile Mamba La Motsa, aged 72, was equally heartrending. After the collapse of her original house, she had been living in an aging stick and mud structure that was visibly on the brink of crumbling.
Today, Gogo Mamba received a new home funded by the Philip Morris Foundation through the DPM’s Office. “I’ve lived my old age in fear, every night wondering if the house would fall in while I sleep.
Today, I will rest without fear,” said Gogo Mamba, her frail voice filled with relief and gratitude.
The involvement of private donors like Philip Morris highlights how collaborative efforts can transform lives at the grassroots level
