Department of Local Government and Housing and Standard Bank handover houses in Etwatwa

The Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing in partnership with Standard Bank handed over 10 newly built houses to people with special needs in Etwatwa, Daveyton. The bank donated 10 houses to beneficiaries who include a blind person, child headed household, pensioner and beneficiaries with other disabilities.

Local Government and Housing Portfolio Committee Chairperson Errol Magerman speaking on behalf of MEC Ntombi Mekgwe said he was in tears when he studied the profiles of the beneficiaries who were receiving their houses. “I couldn’t stop to think how much more work we need to do to bring hope to our people. The only thing that wiped my tears off and put a smile back on my face was the assurance that their frustration is now over. I was overjoyed that finally, our deserving and needy people will have a proper roof over their heads,” said Magerman.

Magerman said such public private partnership between the bank and the department has changed the lives of these vulnerable people of the province. “All that these citizens ever wanted was hope, and today we have brought that hope to these people of Etwatwa,” said Magerman.

He said the department and the private sector should continue to roll up their sleeves to improve the living conditions of such challenged groups of people in different communities. “This event today presents us with a clear testimony that indeed if we work together, we can do more and achieve more, thereby improving the lives of many of us,” said Magerman.

Magerman said the work done by Standard Bank should encourage other companies and organisations to do the same in changing the lives of ordinary citizens.

One of the beneficiaries is a child headed household led by teenager Anna Kunene, who lives with her siblings and lost their father and mother in 2005 and 2009 respectively. “The house is an important gift for me and my siblings. We did not feel safe at night in the shack because of a sheeben nearby but now we will sleep peacefully in the house. Another thing that made life miserable for us was the rodents,” said Kunene.

Enquiries:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
E-mail: Motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za