Lugongolweni – Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla joined senior officials from Phillip Morris International (PMI) on a visit to vulnerable families in Lugongolweni where new houses are being built for those in need.
The delegation, led by PMI Senior Vice President Christos Heparditis and including Richard Griffiths and Marlice van Vuuren, visited the home of Ntombi Zulu at Mlindazwe. Zulu, a widow, is raising four disabled children and two disabled grandchildren.
The construction of her new house is part of a project funded by PMI, which this year committed US$250,000 through the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). The initiative covers housing, fencing and water tanks for families facing extreme hardship. Officials reported that one of the houses has reached the roofing stage and is expected to be completed within three weeks. 
Zulu told the visitors about her daily struggles, saying her children were born healthy but developed autism at different stages, some as early as five years old. Without access to specialised care, the children dropped out of school, and she now relies on supportive neighbours to help. She said her greatest worry has been the lack of a proper home to keep them safe.
Another beneficiary is Bheki Mphila, an orphan who lost his left leg to cancer. He currently lives with his aunt and is set to move into a new house that is nearing completion.
