It was with great pleasure for the Premier of the Northern Cape Province Mrs. Hazel Jenkins to join the Mokgatle family and the community of Valspan–Jan Kemdorp, in celebrating the restoration of the dignity of the Mokgatle family through the handing over of a brand new Three Bedroom house. She was extremely pleased and over joyed to be there to share the special day with the Phokwane Community.

And that is precisely because of the contentment she saw on the faces of the Mokgatle family knowing that they will be able to sleep easy tonight.

The handing over of this house marks a milestone development in the lives of the Mokgatle family who have lived through it all – the hardships of discrimination, the brunt of neglect and poverty, the long wait in anticipation and finally the benefits of a much better product, and we hope they you will find this house worthwhile.

The Department of Social Development was approached by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Touching Lives Programme to inform us of the conditions in which the Mokgatle Family of Jan Kempdorp is living in. The Mokgatle’s are a family of 5 who were living in appalling and unbearable conditions. Their house is constructed of old plastics sheets, rusted zinc and waste metal.

It is our Government’s conviction that every individual in South Africa has the right to adequate housing without discrimination.

And by adequate housing, we emphasize that this Government is not merely speaking to simply having a roof over one’s head; but rather to housing with access to potable water, electricity, sanitation and other integrated development projects such as recreational facilities etc.

We are seeking to create stable, secure, vibrant and cohesive communities in South Africa.

We have no doubt in our minds that the benefits that this house brings will ensure that they no longer have to brave the scorching heat, endure the cold winter nights and wet rainy seasons in the open and in a shack.

We are also encouraged to note that with the help of the Departments of Social Development, CHOGSTA, Phokwane Municipality and the SABC, through their “Touching lives Program”, we are successfully restoring the dignity of this family, by attending to one of their basic human needs – decent housing.

What we are doing here today symbolises, powerfully, what our people meant when they declared in the Freedom Charter that: “There shall be Houses, Security and Comfort!”

The generation of our time carries an immense burden, not only to correct the imbalances and distortions of the past, but also to cement the foundation that will provide a secure and a brighter future for all. Not only must we have the necessary conscience to undertake this task, we must also be prepared to expend the necessary resources for this.

This government remains committed to serving those who are disadvantaged, poor and the vulnerable such as the elderly and the young.

We firmly believe that the success of our Nation rests on the well-being of our communities, our families and on each individual in the Northern Cape and South Africa in general.

We remain committed to providing a life of dignity to each citizen of the Northern Cape and we acknowledge that housing is an integral component of this goal.

Without decent and affordable housing, families may encounter difficulties in managing their daily lives which often negatively impacts their children’s safety, health and development.

We want to assure everyone that this Government will continue to work tirelessly to prevent this cycle of hardship among our citizens.

Today, the Mokgatle Family now joins the proud category of homeowners and along with that comes the responsibility of homeownership. We encourage them to take their new responsibility seriously. Maintain their environment and work towards the building of a safe, peaceful and thriving community. May they find joy and contentment in their new surroundings.

May God Bless them and May God continue to richly Bless our Nation.

Please feel free to call Media Liaison Officer in the office of the MEC of Social Development, Tebogo Mokae for any further information and clarity you might require, @ 082 719 1142.

Hope you find this in order

Kind regards

…………………

Tebogo Mokae

Media Liaison Officer
Ministry Social Development
Northern Cape Province
Released by:
Ministry Social Development