Webber Wentzel builds home for family in need in Orange Farm

Webber Wentzel, a law firm in Sandton, partnered with Habitat for Humanity and the Nelson Mandela Foundation to build a house for a family in Drieziek 4 in Orange Farm.

Habitat for Humanity is an international non-profit organisation devoted to building houses to address issues of poverty across the world. The initiative, which was part of Habitat for Humanity’s drive for Nelson Mandela Day, invites corporates to join them in building 67 houses for people in need.

CSI manager of Webber Wentzel, Themba Mdalose said their decision to get involved in this project is part of their endeavour to reduce homelessness.

Staff members from Webber Wentzel volunteered a day of their week to go onsite and get their hands dirty. In total, 50 people volunteered to assist in the project. Habitat for Humanity provided professional builders to guide volunteers.

“As responsible corporate citizens, we are aware of the issue of homelessness in the community. We understand that they all deserve a decent roof over their heads. We want to assist Habitat for Humanity and the government in providing housing,” said Mdalose.

Webber Wentzel’s business development co-ordinator, Masechaba Masela was delighted to get involved in the project and make a difference. “I believe this is a good initiative because I come from the township so I know what it’s like not having a home,” Masela said.

“This project was personal for me because it was like building a home for my mum or my gran… It means I’m making a difference and someone finally has a home. If I have the opportunity, I would like to go back and see how the people are doing.”

The beneficiary of the house is 32-year-old Noncebo Shabangu, who will share the house with her three siblings, two of whom are teenagers, and her five-year-old daughter.

“Being chosen to be the next beneficiary of a house means that my wish of living in one house with my parents and siblings will now be realised. Soon after the house is built, I know that my parents will move in with me and my siblings. This will not only transform my life, but it will bring the Shabangu family together to live in one place,” said Shabangu.

READ: Dumping without permission

Habitat for Humanity building event co-ordinator, Michael Mamabolo said Habitat for Humanity was invited in 2004 by the Orange Farm community to assist them. “The government also directs us to areas in need where we facilitate the programme to build houses to assist the government in their backlog,” said Mamabolo.

Talk to us by posting on our timeline, Sandton Chronicle or tweeting us @Sandton_News