It was a touching moment for a child headed family of three boys, in Nobathane Street, Kwazakhele when they received a newly renovated house from Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Zanoxolo Wayile today.
The house is one of those identified by Deputy President Kgalema Montlante when he visited Port Elizabeth last year in December. The Deputy President was disturbed by the poverty and the condition of the house the boys were leaving in.
The death of the boy’s parents left them without a gurdian resulting in them having to stand on their own at a young age. The dilapidated house, left to them by their parents was the only possession they had. Linking the situation of the boys to the problem of child headed families that are caused by the HIV and Aids pandemic, the Deputy President instructed the NMB municipal leadership to work on means to improve the situation for the family.
NMB Human Settlements officials voluntarily decided to take it upon themselves to mobilise resources from business and from their own pockets to do an overall renovation of the house. The NMB officials also ropped in Social Development to look at the aspect of the boy’s social situation.
A positive response from five local businesses two months ago led to a the house being renovated and installed with a solar water geyser. In addition some municipals used their own time to assist with the renovations.
Whilst the renovations were underway, the three boys were taken out of the house to live with relatives.
Upon seeing the house after two months they could not hold back the tears. “I am touched, this must be the best day of my life. I can not believe that our home has been changed into such a beautiful house,” said one of the boys Reuban Mzinyathi.
Mzinyathi 20 is currently studying grade 12. When the Deputy President visited his home last year he was asked what he wants to study after matric. He said he wanted to be a medical doctor. The Deputy President promised him that government will send him to Cuba to study medicine. His younger brother is partially mentally challenged and attending a special school, with the help of the Department of Education.
Mzinyathi promised the Executive Mayor that they will look after the house and work hard in school to change their family situation for the better. “The help we have got is humbling. We as a child headed family hope that this kind of support can reach other children who are in the same situation as ours,” said Mzinyathi.
The Department of Social Development have already registered the three boys for a child support grant. While they await their application to be approved, the department provides them with food parcels.
The Executive Mayor thanked the municipal officials and business for responding to the call for help. “The municipal officials who worked on this project have shown that they are a cadre of a special type that President Jacob Zuma always wished for within government. The relationship you have created with business in improving lives is highly appreciated,” said Wayile.
Reuban Mzinyathi receives the keys to his newly renovated home from Executive Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile.
