The temporary shelter offered by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements came as a blessing for the Khumalo twins.
Thokozani Khumalo, 30, was this week blessed with two boys as an addition to his family.
The little Khumalos arrived after their parents Thokozani and Sibongile Ponoyi were evicted from their home.
“We are very happy that they will live in a warm place,” said the happy father.
Khumalo said he was grateful to the department for making sure his children would be in a safe place but asked for a bigger place as the twins increase the number of his children to four.
Another parent, Miriam Mathombo also thanked the department for coming to her rescue after she was also evicted.
The two parents form part of people who benefited in the 20 units that are made up of 17 single units and 3 family units and they brought the number of allocated structures to 86.
Residents who benefited include those who were evicted in Marlboro, residents of Madala hostel who were affected by fire and other disastrous events that left them destitute.
Gauteng MEC of Human Settlements Jacob Mamabolo said that the temporary shelters were part of government’s way of helping the needy.
“As we commemorate women’s month we could not allow mothers and children to be displaced. It is part of government’s work to assist the most vulnerable members of our society as speedily as possible,” he said.
Mamabolo congratulated the Khumalos on the birth of their twins and said that children should not have to suffer just after their birth.
The MEC said that as part of being an interactive government, the department did not choose who should get the shelter.
“The affected communities have elected delegates among themselves. The department and the City of Johannesburg engage with them as they choose who must be prioritised,” he said.
Mamabolo said working together with the communities has led to the process of allocation running smooth.
The MEC insisted that the area was only a transit area serving people during emergencies Mamabolo said that another 23 structures will be allocated to the needy in the upcoming weeks.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
