SIPHELELE NKETO 

LIFE has improved for a family of nine in Mfundweni outside Umzimkhulu who received the keys to a newly built house after many years of living in an appalling mud rondavel. Parts of the rondavel were covered with plastic to prevent leaks.

Last Sunday, August 17, the family could not believe their eyes when a fully furnished house was handed over by former minister of higher education, ANC NEC member and MP Dr Nobuhle Nkabane.

Dr Nkabane, born in the same area, said that she had the house built as part of a collective effort to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the marginalised family. 

She added that this also formed part of the ANC’s ongoing commitment to reach communities, especially in rural areas, and to ensure that services to the people remain a guiding principle.  

“As part of Women’s Month celebrations and my birthday celebration, I handed over the house to share a little hope with the family. Helping communities, especially in rural areas, is part of my life,” she said.

To celebrate her birthday, she said she wanted to bring hope and dignity to the family rather than celebrating with friends and family.

“I was born in a rural village, I know poverty, and I understand all the difficulties that rural communities go through. So the story of the family  touched my heart in a sense that I could not wait. I had to do something positive,” she added.

She further called for women to unite against the scourge of gender-based violence. Family member Nonkuselo Cynthia Tshangase (68) expressed her gratitude to Dr Nkabane and said she still could not believe she has a new house.

“God has his way of doing things. My mud rondavel was leaking during the rain. I am really over the moon,” she said.

She said that it was like a dream when she witnessed a truck delivering building material at her home. 

“I sleep like a baby now without being worried of leakages,” she concluded.