Botshabelo granny receives a new house

The premier of the Free State, Ace Magashule, took time off his busy schedule  yesterday during the Nelson Mandela memorial week to hand over a new house to 99-year old, Maletia Lekhoba, in Botshabelo.

Lekhoba had lived in a shack all her life. The only house she once owned was a mud house on a farm before she came to Botshabelo years ago. Her husband died some time ago and her only hope was to one day own a decent home. She had watched with hope as people in her community received RDP houses, knowing her turn would come.

She received a fully furnished four-roomed house, painted in pink, with tiled floors and a ceiling.

“I just cannot contain my excitement. Words are not enough to express my gratitude. I live with my grandchildren and I feel safe now in this beautiful house. I have no further words to say, I am just happy and thankful to the government,” said Lekhoba.

This Christmas gift for Lekhoba comes against a backdrop of universal calls for the protection of women, children and the elderly. It also coincides with provincial, national and global celebrations of the life of departed former president Mandela.

“Today, in the name of Nelson Mandela and his organisation, we say we must remember that this is what he would have wanted. He would have been happy today to see this.

“This job was done by government and the business community. We approached the private sector and asked them to invest in the community by helping us with the building of this house. They agreed and what could have been achieved in April 2014 was achieved now,” said Magashule.

Magashule added that the house was further proof that government cares for the senior citizens. He appealed to the community of Botshabelo to care for its old people and promised to look into their service delivery needs.

“She is fortunate to have well-behaved grandchildren. We are appealing to the Free State communities to protect old people and children. People think it is fashionable to abuse these vulnerable groups but we hope God will protect her and her children.”

The councillor of Ward 38 where Lekhoba lives,Teboho Manesa Makhele, said the house came at the right time for the family.

“We have been trying very hard for granny to get this house since 2009. I was not a councillor then but I knew this family needed a house. But finally the government fulfilled its promise. We thank God for everything because our premier came here and saw our living conditions.

“The president also came to our community, and we consider ourselves fortunate. Although we still have other needs, we are thankful for what we have received from our government. We know more will come and bring joy to our ward,” added Makhele.