Potchefstroom as part of Imbizo Focus Week
13 April 2006
The Imbizo Focus Week has brought to some residents in the North West hope
and a promise for a better life. "Age of Hope" as trumpeted by President Thabo
Mbeki in his State of the Nation Address early February, proves to be just
that.
During house visits in Sarafina Section in Potchefstroom to mark Imbizo
Focus Week, Premier Edna Molewa yesterday met 78âyear-old social grant
beneficiary Seutwane Magome. The elderly woman is paralysed and wheelchair
bound.
Magome lives in her only son Paul Morakabe's one roomed home in Sarafina
Section near Potchefstroom. The one roomed brick house has three additional
shacks for extra room. This dilapidated addition is inhabitable as it leaks
during rainy seasons.
Paul is unemployed and depends on his mother's social grant. They also have
to share their limited space with a relative Matlakala Bogatsu who is mentally
retarded. Matlakala was until two years ago a care dependency grant
beneficiary.
When she turned 18 years the grant got discontinued as she qualified for a
disability grant. She had applied for an identity document to access this
benefit but is awaiting its delivery. Officials from Home Affairs were among
government officials who visited the family and have undertaken to offer a
speedy delivery of the much needed document.
Meanwhile the Department of Social Development has taken note of the
family's circumstances and has promised to make regular follow ups in a bid to
expedite the social grant application. The department will also render
necessary services to alleviate the plight of this destitute family.
A number of needy homes were visited during the Potchefstroom Imbizo that
saw a good turnout. Next week the Imbizo is headed for Itsoseng near
Lichtenburg followed by Brey in Bophirima District.
Enquiries:
Russel Mamabolo
Manager Media Relations
Tel: (018) 387 3103
Cell: 082 900 6610
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
13 April 2006
