Government subsidised housing handover pleasantly welcomed by beneficiaries as Amakhosi pledge more land availability
The delivery of 300 homes to qualifying beneficiaries in the Harry Gwala District, some of whom lived in mud houses, was greatly commended by beneficiaries while Amakhosi in the area pledged unwavering commitment to support government by availing more land for further development.
The District’s Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal was a hive of activity this weekend during a Ministerial visit led by Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to hand over keys to new home owners at Gudlucingo Rural Housing Project, which is expected to yield 1500 units upon the completion of the remaining 300 units in Phase-2. Construction of the second phase will begin in earnest following the introduction of the implementing agent during a community engagement at Mgangeni Sportsfield at Ward 5 Kwampondo in Ixopo. The development will benefit the community of Ward 5 and 7, who were introduced to the implementing agent.
The Ministerial delegation included the Harry Gwala District Development Model Co- National Champion, and Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, Human Settlements and Public Works MEC, Sipho Nkosi, District Mayor, Cllr. Zamo Nxumalo and Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality Mayor Elizabeth Ngubo, alongside other local mayors and Amakhosi.
“The eradication of mud structures across the country is one of the apex priorities for the government in the delivery of sustainable human settlements. It is humbling to see how the work that we do has changed people’s lives by instantly transforming their living conditions. As we transform the sector and drive accelerated service delivery, we cannot leave rural areas behind,” said Minister Kubayi to much applause from thousands of community members.
Amanyuswa Traditional Council Chairperson and host, Inkosi Ngcobo expressed gratitude for the provision of housing, particularly focused on the eradication of mud structures in the area, saying: “It’s important to thank the government as we were hurling insults for non-delivery in the past, today we say thank you . Our dreams and of even those who are no longer with us, have been realised”.
Mayor Ngubo said it was encouraging that when communities raised their voices, they were heard evidenced through the successful completion of the Gudlucingo Rural.
Housing Project, followed by a prompt visit by the Ministerial delegation to immediately hand over properties to give back dignity to rural communities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa committed that the sixth administration must be closer to communities, to not only understand their plight but also to give feedback on service provision. This weekend’s handing over of houses is an important step in the Government’s commitment to provide decent and affordable housing to disadvantaged citizens, a sentiment also echoed by MEC Nkosi as he emphasised commitment to accelerated service provision for the vulnerable.
Saturday’s programme also comprised of a service fair to provide advise on site and bring government services closer to the people.
The new home owners included an unemployed Funisile Norah Mkhize (70), who was staying in a shack with her grandchildren. She has been a resident of Gudlucingo area for over 50 years and was elated to finally receive her house which she affectionately referred to as “uSthandwa” – her new love.
“I can safely sleep in this beautiful home now, it’s a dream come true. Thank you to the government and everyone who has made this happen, our living conditions have drastically improved.”
Ms Mkhize’s primary income is from government as she also receives social services. Similarly, Nokuthula Hlongwane (49), was overjoyed with emotions while narrating her journey from staying in a mud house with her two children before the intervention by the government.
The housing handovers happened alongside a certification/graduation ceremony of youth trained in Community House Building, as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) – one of government’s intensive employment initiatives.
Amongst those were 20 young women who received training in construction and entrepreneurial skills, through the Manzamnyama and Ofafa Skills Development Programme. The trainees, who successfully completed the programme and deemed as multiskilled practitioners, will also be provided with equipment to enable them to gain access to the construction industry.
“There are projects in communities across KwaZulu-Natal and some of them are already provided opportunities to contribute and participate meaningfully in their communities and effectively the economy, now that they are well equipped with reverent skills and tools,” said Minister Kubayi.
She further cautioned against illegal occupations or disruptions of projects and further urged communities to protect all developments to ensure timeous completion and occupancy by rightful beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the Minister directed that a team comprising of all three spheres of government conduct fresh evaluations of all homes that require urgent interventions, following floods caused by unpredictable weather patterns as seen recently. This followed feedback received during a performance assessment meeting with all three spheres of government. In that regard, a team will be on the ground on Monday to to ensure that affected families are assisted.
For media enquiries and confirmations contact
Hlengiwe Nhlabathi-Mokota
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Human Settlements
Cell: 064 7548426
E-mail: Hlengiwe.Nhlabathi@dhs.gov.za
