By Emily Setona
HARRISMITH – Days of sleepless nights during heavy rainfall, worrying that her crumbling mud structure might collapse on her are a thing of the past for Madikotsi Motsoeneng (76). Motsoeneng of Makholokoeng’s dream was made possible by community support, and she finally moved into a new, modern house.
Motsoeneng’s daughter, Nthabiseng, shared her relief and appreciation for the new house as she recalled the dire conditions they endured:
“The mud house was unbearable. When it rained, we had to stay up all night using buckets to remove water. It was heartbreaking, especially for my children who lived with us. Today, I am filled with gratitude knowing my mother now has a home that is safe and dignified.”
Speaking through tears of joy, Motsoeneng expressed her gratitude.“I feel so proud and blessed to witness this moment. For years, my old house would flood, forcing me to seek refuge at my maiden home. I never thought I would live to see this day. I want to thank everyone involved in making this dream a reality.
“My children, especially the ones still living, are also relieved and happy that I finally have a safe home. I hope this kindness extends to others in need.”
Local community leader and a representative of the Makholokoe royal household, Morena Ernest Moloi, explained that the house was part of a corporate social responsibility initiative by a construction company working on a water infrastructure project in Makholokoeng.
“We were all aware of gogo Madikotsi’s living conditions. When the contractor expressed interest in giving back to the community, we immediately thought of her. This house symbolizes what we can achieve when businesses and communities collaborate. I hope other contractors working in Makholokoeng will follow this example,” Moloi said.
Wearing blue Madikotsi Motsoeneng standing Infront of her new house with her daughter and grandson in Makgolokoeng.
The handover took place on December 23, marking the end of a long struggle for the elderly woman, who had tirelessly sought assistance from both the royal household and the local municipality. Built using state-of-the-art materials, the house was completed in just seven days, showcasing innovative construction technology designed for speed and durability.
The house, constructed with cutting-edge materials, is not only weather-resistant but also bulletproof, offering long-term safety and security. Moloi noted that the rapid construction process was testament to how technology can address pressing housing challenges.
Moloi was present throughout the construction and was amazed by the efficiency and quality of the materials. This is a revolutionary way of providing affordable, durable homes to those in need.
Motsoeneng’s new house is now a beacon of hope for Makholokoeng, demonstrating the transformative power of community-focused initiatives and modern technology.
