Lubombo – The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office has handed over a newly built one room house to 72 year old Mkhulu Mbulawa Sigugudla Dlamini, who narrowly escaped death after his stone house collapsed during a severe storm in the Lubombo region.
Dlamini was about to enter his house when the structure gave way, leaving him homeless. He was forced to share a one room house with his only son, while his daughter in law temporarily returned to her parental home as the family struggled to cope with the situation.
The incident was reported to the National Disaster Management Agency through Their Majesties’ emissary Ntombi Matse, prompting the construction of a new house for the elderly man. 
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla officially handed over the house on Wednesday, also planting two paw paw trees at the homestead. Further assistance is expected, including a bed from Montigny Company, as well as a toilet and curtains to be provided through the Inkhundla.
Dlamini, who survives mainly on the Elderly Grant and occasional food support from neighbours and community food parcel distributions, said he was relieved to finally have a safe and decent place to call home.
During the handover, Dladla called on the family and the surrounding community to continue caring for Dlamini, warning that he must not be chased away as he is the rightful owner of the house.
She said government plans to open more than 20 houses in the Lubombo region, with additional structures still under construction, as part of ongoing efforts to assist vulnerable households affected by disasters.
The Deputy Prime Minister also appealed to Members of Parliament to ensure adequate funding for disaster response under the Disaster Risk Management Act of 2025, citing the growing impact of seasonal storms that continue to destroy homes and public facilities.
She noted that the same budget is used to respond to emergency storm cases, while donor funding is channelled towards building houses for vulnerable families who lack shelter.
Turning to social issues, Dladla urged citizens to celebrate the festive season responsibly, reduce alcohol abuse and stand together against gender based violence, which she said continues to weaken families, contribute to teenage pregnancies and lead to household breakdowns.
Local leaders, including LaZwide Member of Parliament Nomalungelo Simelane, Indvuna yeNkhundla Phiwokwakhe Ngcamphalala and Inkhosikati La Monareng, also raised concern over the shortage of decent housing in the constituency, calling for increased support for affected families.
