Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale encouraged responsibility from the beneficiaries of the 56 houses he was handing over today.
“Take care of your places and don’t’ sell these houses, your house is your health, education and security. The education and health of a child raised in a proper house is better than the one in a shack” said Minister Sexwale.
The minister was speaking at the hand-over of 56 houses built by women is part of Department of Human Settlements’ women’s month activities. The women’s Build is a Letsema project co-ordinated every August and organised in different provinces every year. It is a partnership between government, private sector and communities to raise consciousness about the construction sector and the women’s role in it. The build also contributes to the creation of sustainable human settlements.
Sexwale also reminded people to respect women, “how we treat women is an indication of how we treat each other in a community”.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Mr Ravi Pillay said he was delighted that the Women’s Build 2012 was a success. “Human Settlements deals with lots of problems and it is such a pleasure to be handing over houses of this quality that have been built by members of the community and others who have come from all provinces to contribute to this project’’ said Pillay.
Over and above acquiring building skills, the more than 80 women volunteers’ will also train for six months in basic construction.
One of the beneficiaries Ms Thoko Nkomo (80) was evicted from a farming 1998 and was one of the first people to reside in Madadeni section K. She has been living in a shack for 13 years. “I am very happy that today I have a beautiful house I call my own”, said Ms Nkomo.
For more information contact:
Mandulo Maphumulo
Cell: 079 699 5145
