A 77-year-old woman was showered with gifts and the keys to her new Extension 10 house on Monday 10 November.
A 77-year-old woman was showered with gifts and the keys to her new Extension 10 house on Monday 10 November.
The happy event originated at a public meeting in Extension 9 earlier this year, when members of the community asked politicians to help Ntombizodwa Vaaltyn, who had been evicted by her employer.
According to a Makana Municipality press release, Deputy Minister of Social Development Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu was deeply touched by Vaaltyn's plight and pledged to find her a house and buy her a bed.
It was left to Social Development MEC Nancy Sihlwayi to deliver on the promise. Bongiwe Siwisa, chairperson of Emfuleni Resorts, took it upon herself to investigate what was needed after Vaaltyn was allocated a house in August. The group set aside an amount of R25 000 to assist her.
The Boardwalk shopping complex in Port Elizabeth donated a refrigerator, washing machine, four burner stove, microwave, TV, TV stand, pots, electric kettle, crockery and cutlery.
About 75 elderly and disabled people also received goodies, like fruit hampers, wonder boxes, toiletry bags with accessories, slippers, blankets and lunch.
Also present was SA Social Security Agency, which donated groceries to the Vaaltyn family, and Executive Mayor Zamuxolo Peter. He conveyed his gratitude to the donors, saying that they should do it often as Makana is one of the poorest communities in South Africa.
Peter thanked the Energy Department for coming through and assisting with electrification in Mayfield, which is still under developement, as the municipality did not have money to carry out such a project.
He further pleaded with the community to be patient as things will not happen as quickly as they would like them to.
Vaaltyn was grateful for the donations and thanked everyone involved.
