BY MBONO MDLULI
MAFUTSENI – In a heartfelt ceremony held on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla handed over four newly constructed two-roomed houses to vulnerable families in Mafutseni Inkhundla, bringing relief and hope to those who lost their homes due to severe storms.
The initiative, led by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), is part of government’s ongoing efforts to provide social protection and disaster recovery support to the most affected and disadvantaged citizens.
From Despair to Shelter
The houses replace unsafe structures that had been damaged or destroyed by heavy rains, strong winds, and subsequent flooding. Many had been left with cracked walls, leaking roofs, or complete collapses, rendering them uninhabitable. The NDMA responded swiftly, delivering building materials and overseeing the construction process to ensure safe, dignified shelter.
Stories of Resilience and Gratitude
Among the recipients was Gogo Gelina Sibandze (64), who received the keys to her new home in an emotional handover. A local Bucopho thanked His Majesty the King and the DPM’s Office for their compassion and commitment. Gogo Gelina called the home a “life-changing gift” and expressed her heartfelt appreciation.
Gogo Nicholine Thabitha Dvuba (71), whose damaged house could not be salvaged despite community repairs, also received a newly built home. Her family had been living in unsafe conditions until Thursday’s handover.
Sisana Mabuza (47), a woman with a disability from Mkhombokazi, was moved to tears as she received her house. “I never imagined I would be able to live in a proper home again,” she said, thanking His Majesty and the DPM for remembering people with special needs.
Nosipho Simelane of Luhlokohla, along with her siblings and children, had been sheltering with neighbours after their house collapsed in a storm. She shared her emotional journey of loss and recovery, saying, “This home has restored my dignity and given us a fresh start.”
A Call for Unity and Buntfu
Speaking during the handover, DPM Dladla praised NDMA and the Inkhundla Council for their effective coordination and quick response. She urged the nation to embrace the spirit of Buntfu, encouraging neighbours and communities to support each other in times of crisis.
“These homes are more than brick and mortar; they are symbols of our collective humanity,” she said. “Let us never tire of lifting each other up.”
Dladla also spoke on the increasing impact of climate change and rising unemployment, stressing the importance of resilience-building and government’s commitment to ensuring no citizen is left behind.
Summary:
• Four homes handed over to storm victims in Mafutseni.
• Initiative driven by DPM’s Office and NDMA as part of social protection efforts.
• Recipients included the elderly, people with disabilities, and vulnerable families.
• DPM called for unity, compassion, and national resilience in the face of disasters.
(Courtesy Pics)
