GOGO Ncube repeatedly sent praises to God for 'leading me out of want to the promise of comfort' when a new home was handed over on Tuesday. Seated on a new couch in the living room of her brand-new home, the 88-year-old Mtubatuba resident told a story of lifelong hardship.
However, her fortunes have changed with the blessing of a new home donated by Richard’s Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). “I thank God I finally have a home I can live in with my relatives,” said Ncube, recalling the leaking, one-room house she lived in with her grandchildren.
With human assistance, the frail octogenarian made her way to the front step of her new home, which was built by DCS inmates, a project funded by the RBIDZ. Additional assistance was provided by stakeholders, including Siyaqhubeka Forestry which donated a water tank; Mr Hadebe contributed aluminium windows; uMkhanyakude District Municipality provided water during construction; and Mtubatuba Municipality which fixed the access road to Ncube's home.
RBIDZ Board Member and Chair of the Social and Ethics committee, Elphas Mbatha said this project was a result of government departments and organs of State working hand-in-hand to better people’s lives. “What is important is that a house lasts forever,” said Mbatha, congratulating the Ncube family. DCS acting area commissioner in Empangeni, Nelisile Ndlovu said the project showed the need for collaboration and was an example of inmate rehabilitation through skills development.
“This is our starting point - we wish to continue working with RBIDZ to fulfil the 2030 NDP [National Development Plan] objective of building houses for people,” said Ndlovu. uMkhanyakude District Mayor Siphile Mdaka additionally pledged a fullystocked fridge, which he said would be purchased the same day.
Mdaka suggested the district municipality and RBIDZ have a memorandum of understanding (MOU) so the two entities can roll out similar projects throughout the district. RBIDZ board chair Advocate Bheki Mbili seconded the suggestion which he extended to King Cetshwayo District and other stakeholders. RBIDZ CEO Thabani Zulu said an MOU would be drafted by the following year