Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Jacob Mamabolo has urged residents to be patient as government plans to rollout mega human settlements projects.
Mamabolo was speaking yesterday at the housing handover ceremony to a military veterans Thokozile Margaret “Mapistolo” Rala, in Lawley south of Johannesburg.
Rala’s plight of living in a shack was highlighted by the uMkhonto Wesizwe Legacy Project and with the help of the government and a number of sponsors they were able to build her a house.
“Mama Rala waited for 15 years before getting her house. We urge our communities to also give government time. We will soon be rolling out mega human settlements projects that will make a difference in terms of the huge numbers of people who will benefit,” MEC Mamabolo said.
The MEC said that the department was also strengthening its system to make sure there was no corruption when houses are delivered.
“As the day came for Ma Rala, every deserving citizen will also benefit. We do not want when the day comes for them to benefit, unscrupulous people jump the queue and get the houses, we are working hard in our fight against corruption, “he said.
Mamabolo said that giving Rala a house was part of improving the lives of those who played a role in the liberation of the country.
Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Kebby Maphatsoe said that handing over a house to Rala was part of government’s way of restoring dignity to former freedom fighters especially women who sacrificed their youth but were easily forgotten.
Maphatsoe warned criminals not to target Rala’s new home as they will face the full might of the law
The Deputy minister said that the department had set aside money for more military veterans to receive houses around the country and will work closely with other government department to achieve this.
Maphatsoe said that the department was not only helping military veterans by building houses but also educating their children and giving health assistance among others
Rala, 59, said that she was very excited with her new home as she was expecting the house but It has surpassed her expectations.“ It is fully furnished, I do not believe it. This makes me feel very proud and I do not regret one bit fighting for this country,”
“I was staying in a leaking shack, when it rains I will have to choose a corner that is not leaking. I am humbled to be recognised while I am still alive. Many people did not get this opportunity in their life time”
Rala said that she went to exile when she was 17 years old and was trained in Angola, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho and Bulgaria.
“When I come back to South Africa, life was very different and difficult I had nothing. I had to fend for myself to survive, I thank this government,” she said.
Enquiries:
Tel: 011 355 4873
Cell: 0798972240
Email: motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za
