15 low-cost houses go to beneficiaries
The houses were built by Afrisam in partnership with various departments in the CoE.
Afrisam, in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), the Department of Human Settlements and the Department of Health and Social Development, handed over 15 low-cost houses on October 31.
The houses, built in Mackenzieville, were given to disabled and youth-headed household beneficiaries.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said the programme director of the day and HoD for the Department of Health and Social Development, Gilbert Motlatla.
“The process of building these houses started in 2016, and we are thankful and grateful to hand them over today to those who have waited a long time for their houses.”
The low-cost housing units, built with unique features to cater to the beneficiaries with disabilities, were painted on Mandela Day.
The CoEs mayoral committee and Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana supported the Mandela Day initiative.
The mayor was also present at the handover and thanked all the stakeholders involved.
“I thank Afrisam, which worked so hard to ensure the houses were built in partnership with the city,” Ngodwana said.
The handover ceremony saw several representatives from Afrisam, the DMRE and various committee leaders, the identified beneficiaries and their families.
“Without the teamwork between Afrisam and the various partnerships with the CoE, we would not be standing here today to hand over the houses,” said Glenn Johnson, the executive of construction materials and operations at Afrisam.
“On behalf of Afrisam, we wish the beneficiaries well and hope you will make great memories in your comfortable houses.”
During the ceremony, Johnson emphasised Afrisam’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and urged other companies to join hands to create a more inclusive society for all.
“To the beneficiaries, we know the temptations. Some relatives will come to tell you how you are related because they will see the value of the houses, but do not be tempted to sell it,” said the MMC of Human Settlement, Masele Madihlabe.
“When I come back in a few months, I want to see the same beneficiaries living in their houses, not tenants or other relatives,” said Madihlabe.
Madihlabe also pleaded with the guardians of those who cannot care for themselves not to take advantage of the beneficiaries’ conditions and sell their houses.
The keys to the 15 houses were also handed to the beneficiaries during the ceremony.
