Ndala family of Soshanguve P section’s informal settlement is one of the families set to benefit from the Gauteng Provincial Government’s new poverty alleviation initiative, the community works programme.
An elderly, Maria Ndala lives in a shack with her five children and seven grandchildren. They all rely on Maria’s old age grant.
This is however set to change, as the province is ready to roll out the programme to assist families from the poorest wards like Maria’s.
The programme will provide an employment safety net to individuals while alleviating poverty through a stable income of R150 a day for two days in a week and 100 days in a year.
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane visited Soshanguve community on Wednesday following her State of the Province Address to engage with the community on government’s key priorities
Engaging with Maria in her modest shack, Mokonyane told Maria and some of her daughters that government help was on the way. In the Ndala family yard and those of her neighbours’ there is already a foundation for RDP house.
“We are happy that the premier and the mayor are here today. It shows that we have a government that cares for its people,” said Maria.
Mokonyane advised Maria and her neighbours not to sell or rent out their houses once finished.
“Do not sell the houses that the government is building for you and please you have to destroy your shack as soon as your house is finished so that there will be a difference and we can see the progress,” said Mokonyane.
On Tuesday, Finance MEC Mandla Nkomfe allocated R12.6 billion towards housing delivery for 2010/11 financial year.
This will include the development of an urban renewal master plan for Winterveldt.
Premier Mokonyane accompanied by Tshwane Municipality Mayor Gwen Ramokgopa and ward councillors visited a number of houses in the area.
They also took to Mabopane station where they engaged with informal traders.
Mokonyane told some of the traders about government opportunities for small businesses like theirs. Crime in the area was one of the main concerns raised by traders.
Premier and her entourage visited the site where the remains of a 10-year-old Masego Kgomo were found.
Masego was abducted on New Year's Eve’s and her remains were found after nine days of searching.
Mokonyane praised the community of Soshanguve for the part they played in searching for the little girl after her disappearance and ensuring that culprits were arrested.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
4 March 2010
Source: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/)
