MAFUTSENI – Four families at Mafutseni Inkhundla received newly built two-roomed houses on Friday after losing their homes to storm damage. The Deputy Prime Minister, Senator Thulisile Dladla, handed over the houses on behalf of the government during a ceremony attended by local leaders and community members.
The project was carried out through the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister working with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), under the government’s disaster relief and social protection programme.
The beneficiaries included elderly women, persons with disabilities, and families who had been left without proper shelter after heavy rains caused widespread damage in the area. Reports showed that most of the old structures had collapsed while others were left with cracked walls and leaking roofs. 
NDMA moved quickly after receiving reports from local authorities, delivering building materials and supervising the construction of the new homes.
Among the recipients was 64-year-old Gogo Gelina Sibandze, who described the new house as a life-changing gift during the handover ceremony. Bucopho representatives thanked His Majesty the King and the government for responding to the plight of vulnerable citizens.
Another beneficiary, 71-year-old Gogo Nicholine Thabitha Dvuba, moved into a safer home after struggling with a leaking and crumbling structure.
At Mkhombokazi, 47-year-old Sisana Mabuza, who lives with a disability, received her house with tears of joy, saying it brought her comfort and dignity.
Nosipho Simelane from Luhlokohla was also given a house after storms destroyed her home and forced her and her siblings to seek refuge with neighbours. She said the new house would restore stability for her family and young children.
Deputy Prime Minister Dladla acknowledged the role of community leaders in ensuring fair beneficiary selection and raised concerns about the increasing impact of climate change and unemployment on poor households.
