Early Christmas for military veterans
He confirmed that the department’s decision to build for the military veterans comes as a result that most of the veterans left their homes in their early ages only to come back to live in slums
Jubilation marked the day when 14 military veterans received government subsidised houses at Wesselton Extension 7, Msukaligwa Local Municipality in Mpumalanga yesterday.
The MEC of the department of human settlements, Mr Speedy Mashilo joined executive mayor, Cllr Joseph Mkhaliphi in handing over the 14 houses and issuing of 1 283 title deeds to rightful beneficiaries in the area. The military veterans are being honoured for their indisputable and peaceful contribution towards the liberation of the country. Mashilo appreciated the military veterans for their incomparable commitment and dedication to stand against all in serving the country with passion.
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“Being in the military is challenging and requires a lot of courage, determination and a bit of bravery. What you have done for the country will never go unnoticed. We are proud of you, hence the decision to intervene where you encounter challenges,” remarked Mashilo.
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Mashilo declared that as part of the department mandate to encourage healthy living in sustainable integrated human settlements, they are working in conjunction with the department of military veterans to ensure that the lives of all struggling former military veterans is improved.
One of the excited beneficiaries is Mr Mthembeni Khumalo (50) who was very delighted to receive help from government and conceded that his life would never be the same again.
“The feeling of having my own house is amazing and makes me feel like a real man. I am happy and wish to thank my government for restoring my dignity as a man,” he said.
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One other exciting realisation was that of widowed Ms Ntombifuthi Lukhele (36) who received her house as a result of being registered as a beneficiary to her late husband.
The beneficiaries also received household items such as stoves, and kitchen cupboards from benevolent donors. Later in the day, Mashilo issued out 1 283 title deeds to beneficiaries from various parts within the municipality.
The delivery of the 14 units forms part of the earlier deliveries carried out in eMalahleni, Nkomazi, and Bushbuckridge Local Municipalities constituting the overall 87 units committed to be constructed this financial year for the veterans.
The 14 units’ project is being incorporated into the new extension of the municipality which has so far delivered 140 units through the integrated residential development programme (IRDP).
The department has an approved implementation plan to deliver on a number of services during the current financial year. These include 8 358 housing units, 4053 sites, 26 000 title deeds, 208 Community Residential Units (CRUs) and 87 houses for military veterans, among others.
