Early Christmas present for Cele family
After having lived in a one room, slanting, wooden plank structure all their lives, the family of nine has finally been given a something to smile about.
PHOTO: Steven Makhanya
FOR the Cele family of eSikhaleni outside eNseleni, getting a two-roomed house has been a dream come true.
After having lived in a one room, slanting, wooden plank structure all their lives, the family of nine has finally been given a something to smile about.
The house was handed over by the Good Samaritans, a group of BHP Billiton (Hillside Smelter) employees, who are on a mission to change lives for the marginalised, through building them houses and handing out food parcels.
Speaking to Eyethu Bay Watch, project co-ordinator Sphamandla Mthiyane said, ‘After learning of the Cele family’s plight from a colleague, we decided to put our heads together and build them a house. Our agreement dictates each one of us donates a small amount of money from their salary every month, add all the proceeds together, buy material, and continue building the house until it is finished.’
The three-roomed house, with three beds and bed linen was handed over to the Celes by the overjoyed donors on Friday.
Thanking the Good Samaritans, a teary Sizakele Cele said, ‘I’m lost for words on how to thank the people who brought us back our dignity, after having been laughed at by people passing down this road every day. Some have even threatened to just use one matchstick to burn the wooden planks, which have been our home for so long. But now they are jealous because these guys have built us a proper house – giving us something to smile about this coming Christmas.’
