The plight of a poverty stricken family with a disabled, bedridden woman, two young children and unemployed father has prompted the provincial government, a local construction company and business organisations to provide immediate help for the struggling Jantjies family living in abject poverty conditions at a shack in Mdantsane.
Representatives from provincial departments and business organisations including department of housing, social development, health, correctional services, Vodacom foundation, Bouhab construction and Thazhadi disaster management have all contributed to change the lives of the Jantjies family.
Some of the help provided include a newly built house by the department with modifications suitable for disabled person, with water and electricity.
The house has been built in Jeffrey’s bay at the request of the family. Correctional Services will install built in cupboards and wardrobes with their own material and labour for the family. Thazhadi disaster management has donated with the building material for the house.
Department of Education will facilitate placement of the children at local schools. Vodacom has committed to assist with the educational needs of the children and other self sustainability offerings for the family to assist generate income when they occupy the house. The Department of Health will transfer all health files of Mrs Jantjies from East London to Jeffrey’s bay as well as her physical transfer.
The department provided the family with a housing subsidy of R54 560 and an amount R11 120 00 for the installation of a ceiling and plastering. Kouga municipality installed internal services such as water, sanitation and electricity are installed.
The house and all other necessities for the family will given to the Jantjies family on 29 Thursday at handover ceremony to be held at Jeffrey’s bay to be attended by MECs from various departments involved in helping the Jantjies family. The handover will be held in Jeffrey’s bay starting at 10h00.
Lwandile Sicwetsha
Cell: 071 671 1770
Tel: 043 711 534
E-mail: lwandileS@echousing.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Housing, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
27 October 2009
