A jolly new home for Phumi and kids
PHUMELELE Ndlovu no longer dreads storm clouds and lashing rain as she has a new warm and dry home.
For 15 years, Ndlovu, a single mother of two, has lived in her mud and timber home in Ndwedwe just outside Durban. Sections of the structure kept collapsing every time there was rain or heavy wind.
Her friend Tarryn Jolly was so moved by Ndlovu’s plight that she started the One Brick Project to build her a new house. The Independent on Saturday ran the story, and Jolly spent hours going to local businesses for help, and running her project on social media. Ndlovu works at a baby shelter run by Jolly’s mother.
“I had already sourced many of the bricks and I just kept raising money until we had enough for cement,” Jolly said. “I made a list and went to local companies for the doors, windows, roofing and everything else we needed. Everyone who has donated is part of this home. Even people who had trucks were helping by transporting stuff. It really is so beautiful to see when people come together for a cause.”
Ndlovu’s new home is now complete and she moved in a few weeks ago – a day she said she would never forget.
“I’m so happy and my children are happy, too. The neighbours always used to be worried about us when it was raining, now there is no need to be worried,” she said.
“I used to have problems sleeping when there was a storm, and now I sleep with a happy heart.”
Local builder Zakes Phewa needed a thumbs-up for his hard work, Jolly said. “The bricks were off-cuts, so we needed to use a lot of cement. He took on the challenge wholeheartedly and really outdid himself,” she said.
Having not only completed her One Brick Project, but also her film studies at the SA School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance, Jolly begins her own journey in April – which she intends to do barefoot.
“I have travelling toes and bare feet wherever I go. This year, I am going to travel through Africa with a friend,” Jolly said.
“Through film, I want to showcase Africa, the beauty, the places and the people. It is going to be a great adventure,” she said.