Beneficiaries of Phase 3 in Gugulethu were overcome with emotion during the handover of houses by ward 39 councillor Thembinkosi Mjuza on Friday 19 June. At least eight people were given houses during the event.

Many praised him for his efforts in ensuring the long-awaited housing project was completed, with some admitting they had almost lost hope.

Emotional moments for beneficiaries

One of the beneficiaries, Xolani Dubase (49), broke down in tears after receiving the keys to his new home from the councillor. He said the moment was bittersweet as he had to celebrate the milestone without his wife, who recently passed away.

“I registered for a house in 1999 and have been waiting all these years. The worst part is that my wife died and I buried her last month. I am now left to raise our four children on my own,” said Dubase.

He urged people who are still on the housing waiting list to remain patient and hopeful.

Families receive keys to new homes

Speaking on behalf of her wheelchair-bound grandmother Nozizwe Dlanga (76), Lindelwa Dlanga said the family was overjoyed to finally receive their new home.

She said her grandmother had been waiting for many years and had almost lost hope of ever receiving a house.

“We are very excited and grateful. My grandmother has been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time,” said Lindelwa.

Overcome with emotion, Lindelwa struggled to find the right words but expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Mjuza for his efforts in ensuring that beneficiaries finally received their homes.

Mjuza said the completion of the housing project was long overdue. He said the project started in 2021. He blamed delays on ongoing disputes and poor coordination between the provincial department of human settlements and the City.

Phase 3 housing project nears completion

“From Phase 3, a total of 74 beneficiaries is expected to receive houses. We are handing them over in phases. The process started on Wednesday 11 June and we expect to complete all handovers by 24 June,” he said.

He added that more than 50 houses had already been handed over to beneficiaries.

Mjuza expressed his gratitude to residents for their patience throughout the lengthy process.

“I know it has not been easy for the beneficiaries, but they remained patient during a very difficult period. Today we are finally seeing the results,” he said.