By Theodorah Waga Mawasha
GA-MATIPANE- The life of a pensioner, Modjadji Malema, and her son, in Ga- Matipane village have changed for the better, following the handing over of a decent three-room house a week ago. The house was built by community members.
The 83-year-old woman’s house has been dilapidated due to heavy rains. Throughout the years, the state of her house has been slowly deteriorating. The condition she lives in, prompted concerned community members to intervene and build her a house.
The team of community members comprising Matome Malapane, Suzan Nkhanyamazane , Mahlatse Mawasha , Eliyah Mathye, and several volunteers, took heed. They put together some money and bought building material to start the structure.
Koko Malema appreciated the gesture
Speaking exclusively to Tzaneen Voice, Matome Malapane, expressed how they were compelled to lend a helping hand.
“The granny stays with her son who is not working. They can barely survive on her pension money. Their house leaks and the entire structure poses a health hazard. We couldn’t just look on. We, therefore, took it upon ourselves to build them a house to restore their dignity. We are unemployed but we are putting our time and resources to good use. Our biggest challenge thus far has been building material.” Said Malapane.
Community hard at work to build a house.
Koko Malema extended her gratitude to the community members. “motho ke motho ka batho, loosely translated (A person is a person because of other people), is still significant and must be practiced,” she said.
Furthermore, the pensioner appealed to the government to be attentive to senior citizens.
