The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza says he intends to build 1 000 sponsored houses by July 2013 next year to be donated to the needy. The Premier was speaking yesterday after handing over three houses to three households in different villages in Bushbuckridge.

He said he would continue with his Kancane Kancane Changing the Lives of the People for the Better Legacy Project and wished to build assist 1 000 households with the houses with the help of the business people.

Through his Legacy Project, the Premier has built 147 houses in the J S Moroka, Thembisile, Nkomazi, Govan Mbeki, Mbombela, Pixley ka Isaka Seme and Bushbuckridge municipalities.

Most of the beneficiaries had been the elderly women, child-headed families, those living with disabilities and those disadvantaged by government processes in getting the RDP houses.

“I am motivated by the encouragement I get from the ‘good Samaritans’ who wish to contribute to a better life for other people.

“Although our programme [Legacy Project] is not moving at a pace we would want, it is encouraging that we are making a difference in people’s lives. The three families are going to have shelter over their heads.

“I will continue to invite the private sector to support us financially, this is only an intervention, the terrain is very difficult, but as we persist, we will overcome this,” said Mabuza.

The Premier added that he was not happy with the identification procedures in getting government houses as deserving people were mostly left out, as instead younger people were prioritised. He appreciated the local business man who funded all three houses at close to R40 000 each saying his contribution brought a smile to the people who were helpless.

“When we asked the people to vote for us, as a ruling party, we promised them a better life, surely we cannot wait for government, those who have should help those who do not have, this is but one way of achieving that better life,” said Mabuza.