Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo has called on the community of Diepsloot to continue supporting Gontlafetse Sehako and be a resounding example to the whole nation of how communities can unite to lift one another up.
“You have shown us that the saying that it takes a village to raise a child is true. Government cannot do everything alone that is why we appreciate the role played the community and the media. We must all be partners in fundamental social change in our communities,” MEC Mamabolo said.
MEC Mamabolo said that department was also motivated by Sehako’s strength to work hard to complete the temporary house after visiting her on Wednesday (08 July 2015) as part of fact finding mission to establish how the Department can intervene.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development in the City of Johannesburg Nonceba Molwele also thanked the community for showing the spirit of Ubuntu. Molwele said that the City of Johannesburg will support Sehako before and after the operation.
“We hope that she will now live a better life in the new structure. We also thank the City of Johannesburg for pledging to contribute extra oxygen cylinders to make sure she does not run out of oxygen,” said Mamabolo after handing over the house.
The MEC said that the Department will return in four months to hand over a proper and permanent fully-built house to Sehako.
Sehako, who lives in a shack, was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and doctors among others recommended that she lives in a well ventilated structure. Hence MEC Mamabolo together with sponsors on Friday handed over Sehako a new well ventilated temporary two room house that will help with her condition.
Mamabolo commended the sponsors for managing to build the structure in a short space of time. “We pleaded with the sponsors to reduce the number of days Sehako has to spend on the shack as part of making sure she lives in better conditions,” he said
Sehako thanked everyone who supported her through her journey so far.
Mamabolo also thanked Motlekar Construction and Tech, Makola property Development, Blue Print Joint Venture and Sibongukufika Construction and Projects for building the structure and making sure it has furniture for Sehako’s comfortable stay.
Pastor Jacob Sefatsa of African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), where Sehako attends, said that he was happy that young people in the church had found a way to help one of their own. “Gontlafetse is our blessed daughter and an inspirational heroine to many, “she said.
Enquiries:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
