Habitat for Humanity in partnership with the City of Tshwane and Nissan SA, today handed over 24 houses to 24 families in Ga-Rankuwa ext. 10, North of Tshwane. The handover of the 24 new houses to first-time homeowners today, brings the total number of houses handed over to 74.
The initiative started in 2011 with Nissan South Africa (Nissan SA) approaching the City of Tshwane (CoT) with a request to be allocated serviced land on which it would construct 200 houses to benefit families living in the neighborhoods of its (Nissan SA) corporate office in Rosslyn as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
In its request, Nissan SA informed the City of Tshwane that it would appoint Habitat for Humanity South Africa (Habitat) as the project manager.
It was agreed that besides providing serviced land, City of Tshwane would ensure that the individual stands are connected to the services before allocating the houses to the beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries would come from the City’s indigent register, be earning a combined housing monthly income of not more than R3500, be living in informal settlements by the time of the agreement, had not previously benefited from the government housing assistance, and would be responsible for payment of services according to consumption.
Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity South Africa, Mr Cyrus Watuku, said Habitat for Humanity is a non-governmental, and non-profit organization that operates in more than 70 countries around the world with the aim of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
“We are committed to working towards a South Africa where everyone has a decent place to live.
“Our partnership with Nissan SA and the City of Tshwane has enabled us to move closer to that goal through the Ga-Rankuwa project, where 74 families have settled and begun building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
“Through the project, our target is to assist a total of 200 families in gaining access to housing opportunities that will allow the individuals and the Ga-Rankuwa community to thrive and live dignified lives.
“It is still a long journey ahead to complete the remaining houses, but with the support of the community, the City and Nissan SA, we are hopeful that we will be able to continue uplifting the community,” said Mr Watuku.
The Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Mr Randall Williams, who officiated over the handover today accompanied by the Member of the Mayoral Council (MMC) of Housing and Human settlement, Cllr Mpho Mehlape-Zimu, said the administration worked hard to ensure that this project is concluded.
“As the City of Tshwane, we truly value this partnership with Nissan SA and Habitat for Humanity SA as we view this as a humanitarian collaboration with various stakeholders involved in a common goal of providing housing to underprivileged members of society.
“We will always seek to embrace public-private partnerships that support the work of the city,” said Cllr Williams.
Regional Executive Director, Ms Nomsa Mabasa, said the Region is pleased that the project came to fulfillment.
“A stable home enhances safety and stability, especially for women. On behalf of ward 32 region 1, I would like to thank the City of Tshwane, Nissan SA and Habitat for Humanity SA,” said Ms Mabasa.
Ms Vivian Wiso and Itebogeng Phakgadi are some of the two beneficiaries who were handed over houses today.
Ms Wiso said she has been praying for a home to raise her children and to have a good inheritance for her family for a long time.
“I would like to thank everyone who was part of the process and may God bless them and also help others in need,” she said.
Ms Phakgadi who lives with her two sons said she has been waiting for this moment for some time and said it has been worth the wait.
“The date 17 June 2021 will always mean something to me because that is the date I received a call from the City of Tshwane Department of Housing that I am finally getting a house of my own.
“I would like to thank the City, Nissan SA and Habitat for Humanity for affording me a house. I was so excited to see the Mayor cut the ribbon and also because this is a beautiful and safe area to stay in,” she said.
