Qacha’s Nek, Jan. 26 — Plans to construct a two-roomed house for ’Marets’epile Khali of TJ are nearing completion, bringing renewed hope to a family that has endured years of hardship.
The Qacha’s Nek Disaster Management Authority (DMA) has already engaged a contractor for a new site, with support from the Urban Council, the TJ chief, the councillor and construction is expected to begin soon.
Khali’s original home was destroyed by heavy rains in 2023, forcing her and her family to seek temporary shelter from a neighbour with the assistance of the local chief.
However, the arrangement later required her to pay a monthly rent of M500, a burden given her income of M750 back then.
Her situation worsened when she lost her job due to the demands of caring for her 18 year-old epileptic daughter, who frequently followed her to work. Unable to keep up with rent payments, she was dismissed by her landlord. Khali now relies solely on a child grant from the Department of Social Development.
“We appreciate the support, but in this economy, it is hard to survive on it. Right now, we do not even have a maize meal. I am used to borrowing from neighbours,” she said in an interview with the Agency on Tuesday.
The household consists of six people, including her grandchildren. One daughter sells fatcakes to help put food on the table, while another was recently employed as a domestic worker in South Africa.
Khali expressed deep gratitude for the DMA intervention, noting that her family currently lives in a dilapidated and unsafe structure she hastily built with the help of a good samaritan using whatever materials were available.
“It has been four months since I became unemployed, and life is very difficult. It is painful to depend on others for survival, especially when children tell you they are hungry and you have nothing to give them. Sometimes we do not sleep well at night because of my daughter’s illness,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Khali said the promise of a new home has restored her sense of dignity and hope. “I am very happy with the DMA intervention,” she said.
TJ Chief Thabo Khojane commended DMA for targeting assistance where it is needed most. “This family struggles to make ends meet and she has no relatives to support her,” he said, adding that similar help should be extended to other vulnerable households.
DMA Disaster Management Officer, Ms. Ithabeleng Koneshe said the authority worked closely with the chief and councillor to secure a safer site from the urban council, as the previous location is unsuitable due to poor ground conditions and water issues.
She confirmed that construction will be completed within the current financial year. “By the end of February, the contractor should be done,” she said, adding that Khali is among DMA’s beneficiaries.
Koneshe further revealed that four additional houses will be built, two in Mosaqane, Ha Noosi and Ha Thibathere.
As the preparations are laid for Khali’s new home, the project stands as more than a construction effort, it is a lifeline, restoring safety, stability and hope to a family determined to rebuild despite overwhelming odds.
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