Four families had a festive heritage week, receiving building material donations from Protea Gardens Mall, sponsored by Cashbuild.
Walter Maatlane, a community leader of Protea South and active member of the community, identified families that needed assistance in enhancing their living conditions in impoverished areas.
“We approached the mall because we thought it was relevant for us to help these families with their plea,” said Maatlane.
Maintenance manager of the mall, Benedict Segale said, “These community leaders requested our help and we couldn’t turn them away, we were keen to help.
At the moment we could only afford to donate to four families, but we are keen taking the programme forward, but it depends on the sponsorship that we are able to acquire from the community and businesses.”
According to Maatlane, there are residents that have volunteered to assist with manpower in bettering the homes of these homes. Zinc, packets of cement, window panes and other building materials were delivered to the homes.
76-year-old Mirium Koekoe and 68-year-old Matthews Phungwayo were the first family to receive this donation and couldn’t contain their excitement when the bakkie arrived at their home.
“I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s such a blessing to have people in the community who are willing to help us as an elderly couple living in such conditions,” said Koekoe.
Segale said that they hope that in donating these building materials, the families can do something to empower themselves further in their current living situation.
“We want to thank the mall for providing all of these building materials and to us and our families and we are just grateful for the contribution,” said Maatlane.
