BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has handed over five homes to disadvantaged families residing in five different constituencies on Friday (August 2, 2024).
During the handover ceremony, Dladla humbly appealed to Members of Parliament to allocate funding for such initiatives so that more vulnerable people could be provided with much-needed housing assistance.
These constituencies were Shiselweni II, Maseyisini, Zombodze Emuva, Matsanjeni South and Lubulini. She said it was His Majesty King Mswati III’s wish to have every Liswati live comfortably.
At Shiseweni II, Mbangweni community, Simangele Dlamini has been living in falling stick and mud houses for over 15 years. Through National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) funding, a modern house was constructed for the family and today, the DPM handed over the house to the family.
It is stated that at Maseyisini, KaMzizi community, a new fenced home with two-bedroom house, kitchen, toilet, three goats and five chickens was handed over to orphaned Sifundvo (19) and her older sister Thembisile funded by Phillip Morris Foundation. This came about after Umphakatsi allocated them land. Sifundvo has been living with neighbours. Shiselweni Forest Company (SFC) adopted Sifundvo and bought him a bed and promised to provide food every month. During schools’ vacation, Sifundvo will be offered part-time job and once completed school, he will be offered a permanent job by the company.
Also at Zombodze Emuva, Bulekeni community, Sophy Sikhosana (78) has been living a painful life after her house collapsed. She was now residing in a stick and mud house with the help of the community. Bucopho identified her plight and NDMA took over the case and constructed a house for her.
Another beneficiary is Gogo Mary Nkambule (84) from Matsanjeni South. Her house collapsed early this year and was lucky to survive with her grand-children. Today, she is the owner of a modern two-roomed house. Her home was neatly fenced. Gogo Mary and her grandchildren have been sleeping in a one-room house belonging to her late daughter. This beautiful house was funded by NDMA.
At Lubulini, Ntuthwakazi community, Hlobsile Jele (56) who lives with her autistic son in houses not fit for humans. The houses are being covered with sacks and have holes all over. This case was reported to Her Majesty Indlovukazi by Make Ntombi Matse. Land was allocated for the family by umphakatsi and Maloma Colliery Mine cleared it. NDMA constructed the house, Ministry of Housing Under Secretary Hlobisile Dlamini bought a double bed for the family, Minister Dr. Tambo Gina brought food and blanket and former Minister Sibongile Ndlela-Simelane provided bedding for the family.
