Two Site B families are set to benefit from a week of construction which Habitat for Humanity started on Mandela Day, Monday July 18.
The Mafenuka and Ngqameko families who had been living in appalling conditions were over the moon when they were informed that the houses were being built for them.
Emily Mafenuka who used to share a tiny two-roomed shack with 13 children, including her grandchildren, said she was filled with joy when she was told that her shack would be demolished and a new house would be built.
The 52-year-old unemployed mother said for years she had dreamed of living in a decent house but she had no means of building or buying that house.
Ms Mafenuka said she lost her job during the Covid-19 pandemic and her only source of income are her children and grandchildren’s social security grant.
“I could not believe it when I was told my house will be built. I have been living in the area for more than 30 years and I had long forgotten that I will ever live in a decent house.
“But now God has answered my prayer and I have no words to express my gratitude to whoever thought of me.
“I will now have a decent place to live just like other people in my area. I’m always worried when winter comes in because some children sleep on the floor because there is not enough space for everyone,” she said.
The other beneficiary, Andiswa Ngqameko, 45, said she had been living in the area since 1988 and shared her three-roomed shack with four children. Her only source of income, too, was her children’s social security grant.
She said living in a shack which is riddled with holes compromised her children’s health and safety.
“When I was told at first that my house would be built, I did not believe it because I did not want to get my hopes up. But today I could feel that emotions were overwhelming me a bit. But all the glory goes to God.
“I believe that it was Him who thought that it was my time to be assisted and for that I’m extremely grateful,” she said.
Habitat For Humanity senior stakeholder relations officer, Lea Schafer, said the living conditions of these two families was the main reason they were chosen as beneficiaries.
Ms Schafer said it was critical that they gave back to the community, adding that by the end of this week the houses should be handed to the owners
Ward councillor Thando Pimpi, said he was pleased that these families would now have a better place to stay.