12 September 2007
After more than 28 years of living with her daughter, Katrina Wilhelmina
Matthys (90) finally has a place she can call her own. Gauteng MEC for Housing,
Nomvula Mokonyane, in partnership with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
handed over houses to pensioners at Eden Park Extension 5 in Ekurhuleni, today,
12 September 2007.
The R58 million housing project will provide 2 519 units, and 115 units
bonded houses. The houses will be built with toilets inside.
An elated Matthys, who first came to Johannesburg and lived with her
daughter, could not conceal her excitement when she spoke about her new house.
She applied for a house in 1996. "This is dream come true and I have been
waiting for this moment for a long time," said Matthys.
Mokonyane said today marked a significant day for the six pensioners who
officially became first time homeowners. She said the handover also illustrates
the department's commitment to changing the lives of the people irrespective of
the fact that they are aged or physically challenged.
"For us it remains a cause for concern that some of our mothers and fathers
are now on pension yet they have never owned a house until now," said
Mokonyane.
Mokonyane advised the pensioners to take the houses as an investment that
will benefit them in years to come and those who will come after them.
Enquiries:
Aviva Manqa
Cell: 083 600 3830
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 083 602 6169
Issued by: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
12 September 2007
