New home for disabled
A SOLID roof over their heads, a fully furnished home, kitchen cupboards packed with groceries and a beautiful garden.
This is what a handful of disabled residents of Macambini under Mandeni Municipality were blessed with on Mandela Day.
Two of the nine beneficiaries were Bukwaphi Mhlongo and Khethiwe Ngubane, who were elated at their good fortune.
‘I am grateful for everything; our government really listens.
‘It feels great to have a decent roof over my head.
‘Thank you to the government; this has really changed my life,’ said an overjoyed Bukwaphi.
Speaking at the handover, Mandeni Municipality Acting Mayor, Cllr Phindile Sishi said the late Nelson Mandela would be proud as the gesture is in line with his belief that all people are equal regardless of disabilities and backgrounds.
‘Our government made a commitment to uplift people from all backgrounds, and today on Mandela Day we are heeding that commitment,’ she said.
The municipality joined forces with the KZN Department of Human Settlement and Public Works whose MEC, Cllr Peggy Nkonyeni said the department is committed to prioritising the needs of disabled citizens this financial year.
‘It is our duty as government to identify disabled people and make sure they are elevated to live decently and are able to contribute to the mainstream economy of our country,’ she said. A further 10 disabled people received blankets and food hampers at a separate Mandela Day event held at the Macambini multipurpose hall.
The day’s overall proceedings included a surprise visit by Mayor Sishi and MEC Nkonyeni to the Sundumbili Clinic and the Mandeni SASSA office where gifts were delivered to members of staff and the public. The intervention was also used to address some of the challenges faced by employees when executing their dayto-day duties.