A partnership between a community radio station, Zibonele FM and Shekainah Healing Ministries bore fruits when an RDP housed abandoned by builders in SST was finally finished and handed over.
The house belonging to a 59-year-old Thembeka Mpete was left unfinished when a housing development project stalled 10 years ago. Other houses in the area were completed and occupied by legal beneficiaries and during this time Ms Mpete lived in squalid conditions in a shack nearby.
“I have been asking for help from the government, to no avail. They kept on saying they are investigating what led to the collapse of this housing scheme,” said Ms Mpete.
After Mpete poured out her sorrow to Zibonele FM news staff, they immediately ran a story about her situation. Celebrity photographer Elvis Nyelenzi heard about her plight and contacted Apostle Musawenkosi Joshua Mohlala who immediately stepped in to help.
“I was deeply touched by Mama Mpete’s trouble and very happy to be of assistance towards the completion of her house,” said Apostle Mohlala during last Saturday’s handover.
The project to renovate and complete Mpete’s house cost R130 000 and Apostle Mohlala credits his congregation for opening their hearts “for a sister in distress”.
He said it was the responsibility of leaders to instil hope in, and help those in need.
As such, he said, during the lockdown his church had donated to many causes including burials of the indigent, street vendors and gospel artists whose incomes were affected by the pandemic.
A visibly emotional Ms Mpete said she couldn’t believe it when she heard that Apostle Mohlala had pledged to help her.
“I am not even a member of his church and yet my cries fell into his ears and he changed my life,” she said struggling to hold back her tears.
Zibonele FM chief executive officer Mawanda Jara said he was pleased that the station could play a role in uplifting the community.
“We are always looking at ways of improving our society through the airwaves, it’s not about handouts only but also empowering them too,” said Mr Jara