By: Mbasa Khwaza

A 34-year-old disabled woman had mixed emotions when Durban Mayor James Nxumalo handed over a house to her last Thursday.

Lungile Mdletshe is a beneficiary of the Inkanyezi Housing Project. She waited for the house for more than 15 years. She even appeared on the television programme, Cutting Edge, expressing her dissatisfaction with the eThekwini Municipality and the ruling party.

When she approached her new home on her wheelchair, she broke down into tears. Nxumalo and his deputy, Nomvuzo Tshabalala, were amongst the people who comforted the overwhelmed Mdletshe.

Mdletshe was pleased with her new home. The house is fully furnitured and accompanied by start-up grocery. “I am satisfied with the house, I saw the rooms and I am happy with everything,” said the emotional Mdletshe.

She is glad that she will finally be able to stay with her nine-year-old son who is staying with his paternal family in the Eastern Cape. “I am happy that my child will come to stay with me now that I have my own house,” she said.

Mayor Nxumalo said that Mdletshe’s house was built before but then people invaded it. He lashed out on people who invade and vandalize houses. “What kind of people vandalise or invade house built for disabled people? These people should be arrested by the police,” said Nxumalo.

Lungile checking out her house with Mayor James Nxumalo and her mother. Picture by: Mbasa Khwaza

He urged the media including, Cutting Edge and the people of the community, to come forward when they see someone in need. “There’s a large population in Durban. We cannot always know who needs help. People and the media should come forward when there is someone who needs assistance,” he said.

Zanele Mbutho who is a resident in Klaarwater said the fact that Mdletshe got her house they are happy as ward 17 and they are grateful to the ANC. “We are happy that Lungile finally got a house and we know that many other people will be helped. We thank you Khongolose,” Mbutho said.