CITY of uMhlathuze Mayor Cllr Mduduzi Mhlongo and other top municipal executives officially handed over three houses to female-headed households on Monday.
In a joint venture with Concrite Walls, they extended a helping hand and transformed their accommodation from mud houses to decent homes.
The project was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Woman and Child Abuse.
Nomsa Buthelezi of Msasane Reserve outside KwaDlangezwa, who was living in horrific conditions with her nine children received a four-room house.
‘At least when it rains we won’t be wet anymore,’ she said.
Bongi Ngobese (43) in Mangezi Reserve, also received a home for her and her four children.
Another beneficiary was unemployed young woman Pretty Ndlovu (35) of eNseleni whose family lost their home in a fire.
She is raising her siblings who are still in school, and had to drop out of school to support them.
Ndlovu also received a four-room house and food parcels.
‘I believe it should be on our shoulders to see to it that our people are safe, have shelter and go to sleep with at least a proper meal, especially children who also have to go to school and are expected to concentrate and focus even if they are hungry.
‘We still have so many children who do not know when and where their next meal will come from.
‘This is human rights and social matter and we shall have means to assist as leaders of the society as mandated by the Freedom Charter,’ said Mhlongo.
‘I have visited these families and assessed their previous living conditions which were not suitable for a human being or any animal for that matter.
‘At some stage I donated from my own pocket and formally engaged the business sector to assist, hence now they are celebrating,’ he said.
