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By end of July, Lihle Dlula(19) and her two siblings will have received a warm home to call their own. In celebrating Mandela Day, the National and Provincial Human Settlements, helped build a home for Dlula in Lawley, south of Johannesburg. The government delegation was led by Minister of Human Settlements Nomaindiya Mfeketo and MEC for Cogta and Human Settlements Dikgang Moiloa.

This was an initiative by Habitat for Humanity, supported by 56 corporates, to build 70 houses in this semi squatter camp. The Build started on Monday (16 July) attracting more than 100 volunteers daily. By end of July, 70 homes will have been built, to benefit the elderly, child-headed households and the destitute.

Dlula lives in a shack with her brother and her 9yr old sister.

"It is extremely hard at times...we miss our mother. We are so happy to see this building of our home going on. My mother would be so happy," says Dlula.

Addressing the community of Lawley and volunteers Minister of Human Settlements Nomaindiya Mfeketo called on for more activism among the community, urging them to get involved in rebuilding their communities for the better.

'Mandela's life was about humanity and giving back. And so it is fitting that the corporate world has come out in numbers to support this initiative of restoring dignity to our people. For that we thank them."

Volunteers will work until Friday, after which building will be accelerated. Nedbank, Old Mutual, NCP, Cashbuild and Barloworld are among corporates who have each adopted a house towards this Mandela Build.

Dlula, a matric student, is now happy that she will write her exams having studied in a comfortable home with electricity and running water

'We are so thankful for this opportunity. Finally we have a place we can call home, that doesn't have water coming through the walls."

Issued by Department of Human Settlements