Senior citizen celebrates 60th birthday in her new home in Forest Village | Western Cape Government

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Senior citizen celebrates 60th birthday in her new home in Forest Village

21 February 2022

This past week on Valentine’s Day, Ms. Buyelwa Lumani, originally from Garden City, in Mfuleni, celebrated love of a different kind. In addition to the day marking her milestone 60th birthday, Ms Lumani also rejoiced moving into her brand new fully State subsidised home in the Forest Village Development in Eersterivier. 

The pensioner was part of 50 beneficiaries that took occupancy of their homes this week. It is expected that by the end of February, a total of 80 beneficiaries would’ve moved into their new homes. To date a total of 3102 beneficiaries have thus far benefitted from this Catalytic Project. 

“I have been waiting for 22 years and I finally received a house exactly when I turned 60 on Valentine’s Day. To the government and to everyone who has been supportive and helping us - Thank you - I’m beyond grateful for this blessed day” commented Ms Lumani.

Mr Cornelius Booysen (56) and Mrs. Rachel Booysen (61) were overjoyed when they received their house after waiting 23 years on the Western Cape Housing Demand Database (housing list). “The day has arrived when we finally get a house, I feel like jumping out of my skin, I am so happy. We will cherish and protect this house until the day that we’re not here anymore,” commented Mrs Booysen.

An emotional Mr Booysen was overcome with excitement. “I am not one to talk a lot, but I am very happy about this house. Thank you”.

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers said: “Ensuring that the elderly has access to improved, safer and dignified living conditions is our primary priority. This is our commitment to them and the other vulnerable groups, which includes people living with medically certified disabilities, those longest on the waiting list and our backyard dwellers. I’d like to congratulate all our beneficiaries and encourage them to make this a home they can be proud of, a space where they and their loved ones can celebrate various and many milestones and a sanctuary that is filled with love. As the Western Cape Government, we will continue to assist all qualifying and deserving residents in this manner.”

This Forest Village Housing Development, which commenced in 2016 is earmarked to create 4 820 housing opportunities upon completion. This mixed-use development consists of various types of units to cater for beneficiaries of different income levels and specific needs such as Military Veterans, Breaking New Ground (BNG) and affordable housing Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) units.

The Forest Village Development has not only made significant strides in housing delivery to deserving beneficiaries of the Western Cape, but also created over 1000 local jobs. The Department is pleased that this development is delivering much needed homes, as well as impacting and changing many lives in the process.

“As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.” concluded Simmers.

 

Media Enquiries: 

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Tel: 021 483 3397
Mobile: 082 721 3362
Email: Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

or

Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tell: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 263 1720
Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za