Christmas comes early this year for Mkhulu Joseph Thabethe as he receives the keys to his newly-built and fully furnished house from the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu and the Chairperson of the Collen Mashawana Foundation, Mr Collen Mashawana.
The Department of Social Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Collen Mashawana Foundation, which focuses on providing decent shelter for older persons, child-headed households and persons with disabilities. To date, the Collen Mashawana Foundation in partnership with Afribiz Invest has built and handed over 200 new houses across the country.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on our older persons, many of whom have unfortunately lost their lives. We are pleased to partner with the Collen Mashawana Foundation whose primary objective is to give back and restore the dignity of many vulnerable groups and households by providing a roof over their heads. While the Foundation provides a house, ours is to make it a home by ensuring that all beneficiaries receive the necessary care and support services”, said Minister Zulu.
Minister Zulu will be joined by Gauteng MEC of Social Development, Ms Morakane Mosupyoe and the CEO of Nelson Mandela Foundation, Mr Sello Hatang.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the house handover programme scheduled as follows:
Date: Monday, 15 November 2021
Venue: House 309, Block MM Soshanguve
Time: 12h00-13h00
Members of the media can RSVP by contacting Ms Sharlene Naiker on 082 673 5849 / e-mail: SharleneN@dsd.gov.za and Ms Nomfundo Lentsoane on 066 480 6845/ e-mail: NomfundoLe@dsd.gov.za
Media enquiries may be directed to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067/ LumkaO@dsd.gov.za
