The North West Department of Human Settlements Public Safety and Liaison has joined the World in spending 67 minutes for community service in honour of Nelson Mandela. The Department in partnership with local housing contractors and municipalities casted foundations and handed over houses to beneficiaries in different municipalities across the province.
Activities were part of the build up towards the Mandela day which will be celebrated at Dinokana village in the Ramotshere Moilwa Local Municipality.
The 62-year-old Maserame Maleho is one woman who continues to take care of her grandchildren even under difficult living conditions. The mother of two is currently dependent of social grand which she shares with her two daughters and a grandchild.
Maleho’s life changed for better, as she became one of thousands in the World to benefit from volunteerism services in honour of the first democratically elected president of the Republic of South Africa.
Maleho who could not hold back tears streaming down her cheeks as she opened her house for the first time said she never thought she could own a house like that.
“Thanks to Mr Mandela, the government and the contractor for building such a beautiful house for me. As from today I will live a better life like all other people,” said Maleho in a very low toned voice.
Handing keys to Maleho, departmental MEC Nono Maloyi called on other contractors to support the Each-One-Settle-One initiative by the department, where contractors and other business people are encouraged to build houses for the poor and other vulnerable groups.
According to MEC Maloyi who spent his 67 minutes painting the house inside Ms Maleho is just like many South Africans whose lives must be changed in line with what is spelled out within the Freedom Charter.
Maloyi encouraged other South Africans to spend their 67 minutes doing something that would change other people’s lives. “Your 67 minutes of honouring our first president would make a difference in the lives of the poor. Be part of the World and make a difference in somebody’s life,” said Maloyi.
The MEC has further congratulated all contractors who have and those continuing to heed the call for Each-One-Settle-One and take efforts in working together with government to change people’s lives for the better.
Earlier during the week Maloyi casted three foundation for the construction of low cost houses in Ledig village in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality. The Miya, Madonsela and Matlapeng families, all headed by elderly women will receive houses which are expected to be complete in the next three weeks. These families have been living under unacceptable conditions and the department ensures that they have a habitable environment and a place they can call home.
“As department we will continue striving to build houses and ensure that the vulnerable groups are taken care of. We will also continue to encourage our contractors and other people doing business with government to support the Each-One-Settle-One programme,” concluded Maloyi.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 0866204802
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
Maloyi spends 67 minutes providing shelter for the poor
Province
