Granny pines for descent house

By Masilo Malakwane

QWAQWA-Mmabatho Hlalele(103), and her family’s long wait continues for government to fulfil its promise of an RDP house.

The indigent family of Theosane village in rural Bolata has been living in a rickety two-roomed mud  house of about three decades now.

The porous house leaks heavily during the downpours similar to the ones the country is currently experiencing.

Hlalele occupies the house with a grandchild. She lives in constant fear which enforces her to sleep under the bed.

“I do not enjoy living in these conditions anymore, fearing for my life and wondering what will happen to me if this mud structure collapses.

“All I wish for is the fulfillment of government’s promise to build a dignified house for the less privileged, ”Hlalele said.

Speaking to The Guard, Hlalele’s last born , Ramabelesa Lucas ,56 said the family had applied for an RDP house many years ago, but nothing has come out of it.

The last time he inquired about the status of the application was in 2019.

“At her age, my mother is not in a position to work or build herself a house. The government grant she receives is not enough to build a better  house since I am also unemployed,” Ramabelesa said.  

Kalane is a community leader who brought the family’s plight to the attention of this publication.

He said it is vital that the government agencies, starting with the ward councillor , work with local businesses to alleviate poverty.

“We should do our work best to ensure our community gets the services they deserve. Hopefully the next municipality leadership will heed Nkgono Mmabatho’s plea, ”Kalane said.

The Maluti-A-phofung local municipality has experienced heavy thunderstorms in the past week, which saw many residents ‘houses in QwaQwa swept away by flash floods.

Any good Samaritan who wish to assist nkgono Hlalele by building her a more dignified house, should contact Ramabelesa Lucas Hlalele on 0613533846.