Human Settlements Minister Makes Good on Promise of Home for Delft Family | Western Cape Government

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Human Settlements Minister Makes Good on Promise of Home for Delft Family

6 February 2014

The Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Bonginkosi Madikizela handed over the keys to a disability-friendly house to the Gxowa family in Delft 3 & 5 on Wednesday, 5 February. 

The Minister visited Noxola Gxowa, mother of severely disabled Wendy (16 years old), in January this year after seeing their plight in the SABC’s Touching Lives programme. The programme highlighted the living conditions of the family who, until then, had been staying in a run-down shack in a backyard in Delft South. Noxola was particularly concerned that a home be found that would cater to Wendy, who suffered a stroke at five months that has left her fully reliant on her mother as she is unable to do anything for herself.

The unit is one of 50 specially earmarked for people with special needs and forms part of the new Delft Symphony 3 & 5 project, where structurally-insulated panels have been incorporated into the Alternative Building Technologies (ABT) construction method used. On completion the project will yield 1951 units at a cost of R370 million. 

As with many community members, Noxola was initially skeptical of the Alternative Building Technologies (ABT) unit she’d be receiving.  The Minister, however allayed any doubts by stating, “this house is structurally sound, has been built according to standard and is environmentally friendly.  In more ways than one it is actually better than those houses built with bricks and mortar.” Madikizela further said, “In the long-term the family will see a significant reduction in electricity bills due to the insulated panels ensuring heat is retained in winter, whilst remaining cool in the hotter summer months.”

Goodwill continued to rain down on the Gxowa family when they took delivery of household items and furniture sponsored by community members who were moved to help after reading about the family’s circumstances in earlier press coverage.

Media Enquiries: 

Zalisile Mbali
Spokesman for Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela
Tel: 021 483 4798
Cell: 083 579 8554
E-mail: zalisile.mbali@Westerncape.gov.za