Mr Mbulaheni Sandani (83), a poverty-stricken pensioner from Madimbo in the Niani area, received the key to his own newly built two-room house, complete with its own toilet, generously donated by Mr Robert Mudau of Tshiawelo Accommodation, on Friday, 4 August.
According to his neighbours, the elderly pensioner is widely recognised as one of the most impoverished residents in the village and is deserving of any available form of assistance.
Sandani used to live alone in a decrepit old shack, enduring extremely challenging living conditions. "During rainy nights, I couldn't sleep. I would wake up and shield my head with a chair to prevent loose bricks from the roof from falling on me," he shared.
He expressed his gratitude to Mudau for recognising his need and constructing a new house for him. "Now I will be able to sleep peacefully, just like other people," he said joyfully.
Mudau pointed out that most families in the area are unemployed individuals who require assistance from the community. "Poverty is not a choice for them, and it's our responsibility to uplift those who are capable of making a difference. This man has never truly experienced the benefits of freedom and democracy. The meagre old-age grant he receives from the government is insufficient to sustain him. I take pride in being part of the effort to uplift the community through acts of kindness. I aim to identify individuals without proper shelter and those who often don't know where their next meal will come from."
Mudau emphasised that local businesspeople have a duty to combat and triumph over poverty. He called on fellow community members to also extend their assistance to those in need, motivated by love and a sense of brotherhood.