Church shows politicians how to do it
Phathwa was spending nights in a tattered tent, which leaked during rainy seasons. This had been her normal way of life for years since the collapse of her stick and mud hut and that of her late son's house which was partially destroyed by a storm in 2006
MAHUSHU – After many years of empty promises from the ANC, and lately, the EFF, Gogo Sani Phathwa (89), finally received a house from the church of cloth, The New Assemble Church in Zion, as part of celebrating Women’s Month on Sunday.
Life will never be the same for this pensioner of Mhlambanyatsi section, who has, for the first time in many years, enjoyed a peaceful night in a secure, warm and dignified house presented to her by the jolly congregants.
The pensioner’s residence was painted in the traditional colours of the church, white and blue as over 100 church members filled a tent pitched in the yard, singing and praising God for the completion of Phathwa’s house. Mpumalanga News learnt that Phathwa was spending nights in a tattered tent, which leaked during rainy seasons.
This had been her normal way of life for years since the collapse of her stick and mud hut and that of her late son’s house which was partially destroyed by a storm in 2006.
“Ever since then, life had been a nightmare for Gogo Phathwa as she has persistently knocked on different doors, seeking assistance to have a decent house, but had been smacked in the face by false promises. There is no political party she has not approached, be it the ruling party, ANC, and lately the EFF’s Julius Malema, who sent his people to bring Gogo to the local stadium where they held their rally and promised to build a house for her, but all in vain,” explained a source who wanted to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.
Gogo Phathwa has been looked after by her grandson S’khulile Shabalala (25) for many years. He is also a devoted member of the church.
According to Past Eddy Piet Mashele, members of the church were deeply touched by the gogo’s living conditions when the church paid her a visit to give her some gifts on Mandela Day last year.
“The church then decided to raise funds and involved other stakeholders, since she has been living in that state for long.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the management of BUCO Hardware, Build It, Philasande Cement Products and Mr Caners Nyundu of Mackan Construction for their contributions towards the building of this structure, as well as the youth of the church who voluntarily provided labour to finish the house,” he said.
Gogo’s dream is to have sofas, a fridge and a sideboard to store her belongings.
