The poverty-stricken Madondo family in new Extension, Sibongile Township of Dundee, on the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, she shared tears of joy when they were moved from a dilapidating shack made of corrugated iron to a new house.
The family was identified during the Public Service Week last year and the Community Development worker with War-room task team intervened by approaching the municipality and small business owners to donate with material to build a four room house.
The Endumeni Local Municipality, in conjunction with small local business people, turned sorrow and hardship into joy for the poor family when they officially handed them keys to their new home. The house was donated as part of Public Service Week and the Nelson Mandela week, which encourages citizens to do good to those less-fortunate in honour of former statesman and world icon, Nelson Mandela.
Endumeni Municipality Mayor, Thulani Mahaye expressed his gratitude to the people who contributed in assisting the municipality with helping the Madondo family and made a clarion call to other local business owners to donate with other necessities such as stoves and beds needed by the family.
“I encourage the spirit of Ubuntu as it is Nelson Mandela week to serve the purpose of giving back to the community and as the municipality, we will continue to help the community.”
The head of the family, Rejoice Madondo was in tears of happiness when Mahaye and the councillors gave her an official key for her house.
“Our living condition was not pleasant; I am greatful for everyone who has contributed with building a house for my family.”