South Africa

Today Saturday the 17th of February 2024 saw another critical milestone in the ongoing intensified campaign to eradicate mudhouses in the hinterland of KwaZulu-Natal. The Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi was in the Province to officiate in the handover of government subsidized homes to two qualifying beneficiaries in Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality in the Harry Gwala District. The handing over of houses was an important step in the Government’s commitment to provide decent and affordable housing to disadvantaged citizens. The Harry Gwala District Development Model Co-National Champion, and Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, together with the Human Settlements and Public Works, MEC Sipho "KK" Nkosi also joined Minister Kubayi during the handover of the Gudlucingo Rural Housing Project whose eventual yield will be 1500 units upon the completion of the remaining 300 units in Phase-2. The Ministerial delegation, included the District Mayor, Cllr. Zamo Nxumalo alongside uBuhlebezwe Local Municipality Mayor Councillor EB Ngubo and traditional authorities who were part of the programme launch the first phase of 300 units of the Amanyuswa Rural Housing Project. The development eill benefit the community of Ward 5 and 7. The handover of newly built government-subsidized homes preceded a community engagement and certification/graduation ceremony of youth trained in Community House Building, as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) – one ofGovernment’s intensive employment initiatives. The EPWP Skills Development Programme Graduation Ceremony comprised of 20 young women, who received training in construction and entrepreneurial skills, through the Manzamnyama and Ofafa Development Skills Development Programme. The trainees, who successfully completed the programme and deemed as multiskilled practitioners, have also been provided with equipment to enable them to gain access to the construction industry.