Joy as blind pensioner moves into her new home
Blind pensioner Khuselwa Bukushe was overjoyed when she moved into a newly built two-bedroom house in Nqonqweni village, Peelton, on Thursday after spending decades living in a two-room mud house with her five children, four of whom are also blind.
Waiting anxiously to step into her new home, Bukushe, 68, was happy her dignity was being restored after years of suffering.
Bukushe’s brand new, disability-friendly house has two bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge and bathroom. It was donated by Chippa United boss Chippa Mpengesi.
She bought furniture and groceries for the big day.
Eastern Cape human settlements MEC Nonkqubela Pieters handed over the house, saying she was prioritising building homes for families headed by the elderly, children and those with special needs.
Bukushe was born blind. Her family survives on disability grants and handouts from kind neighbours.
Her daughter Zukiswa, 36, is able to see and helps her siblings and her mother with house chores.
Bukushe was overcome by joy when the news came that her new house was on the way and the family would be leaving their crumbling, cramped mud house where there was no privacy.
Even the mud house was better than her previous shelter, a shack.
Bukushe’s new home did not come easy.
Five years ago, government contractors left her with only a foundation and no answers.
“My dignity and that of my children has been restored and I am grateful,” she said.
“I would not like to die without ever owning a house. Living in a mud house is a dangerous and terrible life. I will cherish my new home. Now I can say I have a home. It really feels like Christmas Day!”
Zukiswa said the family still needed another home to accommodate her siblings and Bukushe’s 13 grandchildren.
Deputy human settlements minister Pam Tswete, who was born and raised in Peelton, said the government needed to respond where it was needed most.