Christmas came early for two Langa families who were able to move into their newly rebuilt homes just days before the festive celebration.
After having spent nearly two years living with relatives after their houses were burnt down on February 25, 2022, the Langa families were handed the keys to their new homes on Friday December 20.
The reconstruction came about through the efforts of three concerned organisations – Isidima Housing Development, a non profit organisation, ProTeam SA Tours and Scotland-based Merchiston Castle School.
The delighted ProTeam SA Tours director Mcebisi Mgobhozi officially handed over the new houses to beneficiaries Bukelwa Londzi and Sindiswa Mngomeni, saying it was his dream to give back to the people of Langa.
As a tour guide in Langa, he said, he always saw the houses and felt he could do something for the families.
He had coincidentally met members of Isidima which had the same dream as his. He then contacted Merchiston for funding. And, as they say, the rest is now history.
“These houses and the other one here in Langa were always bothering me. I decided to form partnerships with Isidima and seek funding. We knocked on many doors. Fortunately we met one of my clients who helped us a lot. What excites me is that my dream has been fulfilled,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to fill their homes with joy and happiness.
One of the directors at Isidima, Bulelwa Dywili, said all the organisations wanted to do something good over the festive period and beyond.
“We are bringing back the families’ dignity. We’ve done our task so that their dignity is restored. We trust that they will enjoy staying at their homes now. They have struggled for so long to rebuild the houses and we came for them. I am happy for them,” she said.
Upon receiving their keys to their newly built houses, the duo could not hide their excitement.
Ms Londzi said: “I am very grateful to all those who contributed to this project. For many years, I’ve been struggling, not knowing how will I ever build this house. I am unemployed and there was nothing I could do,” she said.
Ms Mngomeni said she had lost two of her children but the gesture showed the donors had restored a sense of hope for a better tomorrow. “It brought misery to my family. I lost two children in it but today I am excited. Yes I am emotional but happy at the same time. It is so beautiful and it feels awesome to have my home looking so new. I cannot describe the feeling in me. I am really lost for words,” she said.
The handover ended with Belinda Nkonzo leading the crowd into songs of hope.
