85-year-old mother from Pimville has been staying in a back room for over 30 years
Apparently, the Dept of Housing has not responded to the family's needs
A frail pensioner’s daughters, Ntombi and Zodwa Mfusi who still live in a back room in Pimville alleged that their mother Solile Mfusi (85) has been staying in a back room for over 30 years.
According to Mfusi’s daughters, the struggle started when their mother struggled to get her identity document and therefore it was impossible for her to register for an RDP house without an ID, however, they also registered for RDP houses, and until now, there is no response from the Department of Housing.
“My mother is too old, there are a lot of things she cannot do by herself, we tried everything, we have been to the Housing Department, we make it a point that we attend every meeting that is about housing but it is all in vain,” said Ntombi.
“Should we go stay in the informal settlement for us to be recognised as an emergency? What will happen if my mother was to pass on? How are we going to bury her with dignity with the state that we are living in?” she added.
Zodwa said that they also don’t feel safe in the yard because there is a Somalian spaza shop in the yard and it attracts thieves.
She went on to share their terrible encounter when there were thieves vandalising the yard at night while they were sleeping.
The family alleged that the Ward 22Â councillor, Lizzy Mabaso, is dragging her feet in assisting them.
“We feel that Mabaso is not giving this the attention it deserves, we cannot have an old lady such as mom staying in a back room for so many years. This is not fair and it can be considered as abuse,” said Ntombi.
Councillor Mabaso, in her response, said, “I am aware of the Mfusis’ situation and I am not happy also. I am doing my best to make sure that they get assistance as soon as possible, however, I personally, do not have the power to allocate houses to the community,” said Mabaso.
She further explained that she also feels that it is unfair that the community does not benefit from the houses built in their own community, but instead it is outsiders who benefits.
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