Housing contractors join the global movement and help change Bokone Bophirima for the better
The former and late statesman Nelson Mandela is surely smiling in his grave after at least 30 housing contractors committed to built houses for impoverished families in Greater Taung local municipality in Bokone Bophirima, as their contribution on Nelson Mandela month under the theme “Make everyday a Mandela Day: Contributing 67 minutes of our time to help those in need.”
At a meeting with MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements, Collen Maine last week in Taung, housing contractors will each choose a family that they will built a house for, at their own costs. “We have already identified these families through councillors in various wards and these are cases that need urgent intervention.
Most of these are mud houses or makeshift shacks that are not good for habitation hence we have approached businesses to assist in the spirit of Nelson Mandela month. Construction of these houses will start as soon as possible’’, he said.
One of the beneficiaries is Betty Sima (77) could not contain her excitement and mentioned that she cannot wait to spend Christmas in her new house. “They have promised me that by Christmas holidays the house would have been completed”, said Sima. Merriam Dire (83) of Khudutlou village near Taung who stays with seven grandchildren said “Nelson Mandela is a true hero – South Africans continue to benefit from his goods even though he is no more. I never thought that this day will come’’, she said.
The United Nations declared July 2009, Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of Madiba’s contribution to global peace and freedom whilst the 67 minutes symbolises 67 years on uninterrupted and selfless service by him (Madiba) to the people of South Africa. In South Africa, the month of July is dubbed “Mandela month’’.
Enquiries:
Ben Bole
Cell: 071 566 1399
E-mail: msbole@nwpg.gov.za
