Title deeds presented and cooperatives introduced at Siyanqoba

Mpumalanga MEC for Human Settlements, Speedy Mashilo while presenting title deeds and introducing cooperatives, raised important points at Siyanqoba. 

The event was held at Siyanqoba on Thursday, May 25.

In his address, Mashilo explained the partnership between the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements with strategic business partners to better the lives of residents of the area and surroundings in Emalahleni Local Municipality.

This follows the introduction of an empowerment programme that presented business co-operatives to produce bricks, paving, aluminium windows and doors to supply contractors and individuals.

This groundbreaking Private-Public Partnership (PPP) initiative is a concerted effort by both government and businesses to explode the township economy.

These business entities’ initiatives will empower the locals in job creation, poverty alleviation and skills development.

Programme director, Themba Tahir Sgudla explained that working with the community of Siyanqoba made him realize that more people are unemployed and the crime rate is increasing. “I want to thank the department and the local municipality for accepting our call to work together to improve the lives of this community; these manufacturing machines will see many families out of poverty,” said Sgudla.

He cited that all the co-operatives will be trained on how to operate the machines.

He also donated patrol security cars to fight crime in the area.

One of the co-operatives’ beneficiaries, Themba Sithole who works with aluminium expressed his gratitude that the initiative will change their lives as young people. “We want to thank the government and the companies who donated the machines to uplift our hope. With the high rate of unemployment, the youth is involved in drugs and criminal activities. I believe this will reduce all of these in our area as more youth are going to be employed,” mentioned delighted Sithole.

He concluded by pleading with other government departments and business people for more funding and support for their businesses. 

Addressing the community, Human Settlements’ MEC, Mashilo stated that the government has introduced Public-Private Partnerships as a mechanism to improve infrastructure, service delivery and the efficient use of under-utilised state resources.

“It is through partnerships that the financial management side of such legacy projects can be sustained and consequently become a living testimony of the change that this government seeks to make. That is to change the face of the communities through the development of areas where they live,” said Mashilo.

He urged community members to safeguard the machines since they are their source of income.

He added that all the local contractors must buy from these co-operatives.

Later on the day, MEC Mashilo handed over nearly 1 000 title deeds to rightful government-subsidised house beneficiaries.

Mashilo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring the dignity of people and affording them security tenure. “Property ownership allows beneficiaries to use their homes to leverage their economic circumstances by making income. Houses can also serve as an economic asset as it encourages investment through renovations and funding for business purposes,” eluded Mashilo.

The empowerment initiative is expected to be rolled out to other parts of the municipality and ultimately the province. 

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