A 73-year-old man Joseph Thabethe from Soshanguve Block MM will soon move out his shack into his new home, as building gathers momentum nearing the rafters courtesy of the Collen Mashawana Foundation.
Thabethe was identified by the Regional Chairperson of ANC Kgosi Maepa, ANC Councillor candidate of Ward 33 Jasca Aphane, and ANC branch leaders doing door to door campaign assessing the living condition at ward 33 and they spotted his disturbing and unhealthy environment.
Mr. Collen Mashawana who is the founder and the chairperson of Collen Mashawana Foundation sprung his team to action and immediately acted on the situation by gracing the old man with groceries, clothes and a temporal shack while waiting for his house to be built .
He also urged with the ANC’s branch leader to intervene is such matter not only for Mr. Thabethe but for everyone who is in a disadvantaged situation.
“We are here to demolish this old shack, we don’t want any sign of remembrance of his previous living condition, for now we are building this shack for temporary so that he can be safe in terms of weather changes. We are not part of the political but an organisation that is always willing to help those who are need. I’ve been hurt by the living condition of this old man, and I am asking myself how can a person live like this, while having neighbours who do not offer a helping hand. I am asking you members of theANC and also members of the community to unite and never be afraid to call for help when it is needed.’’ Said by the founder and chairperson of Collen Mashawana Foundation
While beaming with gratitude and happiness, Mr Thabethe could not believe what was happening as he was getting a better living condition. His living condition was so much disturbing, he was living in an environment that does not have water, electricity and ablution.
“I’m very much grateful for your generosity and humility; I have been living in this condition for years. I have been applying for an RDP house like any other member in my community but unfortunately have been unlucky. I have so much joy in my heart as I’m getting a proper house to better my living condition,’’ Said by Mr. Thabethe.
The ANC branch leaders of ward 33 after assessing the situation of Mr. Thabethe they have realised that there is a need of immediate intervention.
“We were doing door to door here at ward 33, after spotted the Mr. Thabethe disturbing shack, and we made a request on social media asking for assistance and we tagged the Collen Mashawana Foundation to assist where they can. But fortunate enough, they did more than what we expected and for that we are very much grateful,’’ Said by the one of the ANC member and who is a member of the community, Niniza Mokau.
The community was pleased about how Collen Mashawana Foundation intervened with the situation and what was most pleasing is that they did not only promise to improve the living conditions of Mr. Thabethe, but they were much impressed with the standard house being built for him, that will come with fully furnished furniture.