BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOMAHASHA- After years of living in fear during windy nights, Gogo Duduzile Mkhaliphi can now sleep peacefully, knowing she and her adopted grand child are safe. Gogo Duduzile, who cares for Nonhleliso, a child living with disability received a newly built house that will bring comfort, dignity, and protection.
The house was officially handed over today July 25,2025 in Mkhangala under the Lomahasha constituency. The project was led by Young Heroes, funded by the Young Heroes Foundation, in partnership with Imbita, and in support of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office through the Department of Social Welfare.
Nonhleliso was adopted by Gogo Duduzile, who is not her biological relative but took her in out of love and compassion. “I love children, and though I was never able to have my own, I saw a daughter in her,” said Gogo Duduzile.
With support from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, legal processes were followed. A court order signed by Principal Magistrate Nxumalo at Simunye finalized the guardianship, with further assessment done by umphakatsi in the presence of Nonhleliso’s biological mother.
Sandile Ginindza, who represented Young Heroes Executive Director Khulekani Magongo, thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project. He gave special recognition to Imbita, who identified the family.
“Young Heroes is still available to help Emaswati,” Ginindza said. “Even with financial challenges, we are finding other means. We appreciate being here today to hand over this project.”
Gogo Duduzile Mkhaliphi was speechless with gratitude as she stood in front of her new home. Fighting back tears, she said, “Now I will finally sleep peacefully. Before, whenever it was windy, community members would call to check on me, worried the house might collapse. It was not easy.” She said.
Busisiwe Sifundza, a community facilitator from Imbita, said she was directed by a local community member. “I didn’t know about the home,” she said. “I went to check on Nonhleliso and found her living with a disability.”
She continued, “While offering life sessions, I realized she needed help. That’s when she was selected, along with two others from Shewula. The biggest need we saw was shelter. The condition of the old house overwhelmed me.”
Lungile Fakudze, a social worker from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, said the situation was urgent. “After receiving the report from Imbita and Young Heroes, we assessed the home and found it needed urgent intervention,” she said.
Lomahasha Indvuna Yenkhundla Mincedisi Matsentjwa said the Lomahasha constituency has 30 sub-communities 16 in Lomahasha and 14 in Shewula with many similar cases.
He thanked everyone who made the project possible and gave special praise to Busisiwe. “This work is in her blood,” he said. “Your rewards are waiting for you in heaven.”
He also urged families not to hide children with disabilities. “Bring them forward so they can receive help and access quality education,” he said. “We currently have 89 children, and 28 are still not in school.”
