Times Of Swaziland: NDMA’S E100 000 HOUSE FOR WOMAN (54), 9 CHILDREN

NDMA’S E100 000 HOUSE FOR WOMAN (54), 9 CHILDREN
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Sithembile Hlatshwayo on 04/10/2024 11:50:00


HAWANE – It was indeed a new dawn for a 54-year-old woman with nine children,
who has been given a new house by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA)
worth E100 000.
It was Christmas in October for Ntombikayise Nxumalo and her nine children, who
were also presented with a goat by Inkhosikati LaGinidza of Nkhaba Royal Kraal.
The Inkhosikati also gifted the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thuli Dladla with a
goat. The house was completed in six weeks and was officially handed over to the
family yesterday by DPM Dladla. Contributions towards the construction were also
made by Build It, which donated tiles and wiring materials, as well as CSC
Chairman Simanga Mamba and Senator Siphelele, who each contributed E10 000.
Employed
Nxumalo was left by her husband over ten years ago and has never been employed,
instead fending for her children through piece jobs, including weeding fields
for her neighbours, among other tasks. She mentioned that some would pay her in
cash, while others would offer her maize and groceries. According to Nxumalo,
Senator Siphelele Mkhonta has played a significant role in her life, ensuring
that she has food on the table. Mkhonta is a neighbour. She stated that due to
her condition as someone undergoing treatment, she would simply call Senator
Mkhonta, and he would help her out. “At times, I would miss my treatment for
months because I had not eaten for days,” she recounted.
Nxumalo expressed that God had intervened, as the situation was dire; when it
rained, they could not sleep with the children because the house would fill with
water. Following the gift of the new house, she found herself at a loss for
words to thank all those who ensured she and her children have a roof over their
heads, including NDMA, the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), and Build it.
Nxumalo stated that from now on, when it rains, she will not have to worry about
losing sleep, but will be free to sleep soundly with her children. She feels
that light has finally shone upon her after so many years of suffering, adding
that there were times they would go without food, or the children would only get
the chance to enjoy a meal at school. She thanked DPM for making her feel valued
in society, noting that she felt ashamed whenever she returned to her home,
which is surrounded by mansions. “God knows His people; from today, I will
enter my home with my head held high,” she said.
Nxumalo mentioned that sometimes she would travel to South Africa in search of
piece jobs to feed her children and would occasionally be forced to sleep under
trees, as she had no relatives there. According to Nxumalo, the ongoing
challenge will be securing food, as no one in the family is employed.
Furthermore, she expressed gratitude to the Nkhaba royal family and the entire
community for coming together to ensure she lives a decent life. Armstrong
Sibandze, who shared the word of God, likened Nxumalo’s situation to that of
the children of Israel, who were driven out of Egypt to the land of milk and
honey. Sibandze thanked God for His great works and for showing Himself to the
family, adding that despite the darkness, light has come.
Gratitude
Bucopho of the area, Mandla Malaza, stated that they had not anticipated the
house would be completed in such a short time. Malaza expressed gratitude to the
builders for their dedication. Dladla thanked the legislators, including the
area’s Member of Parliament (MP) Hope Shiba and Senator Mkhonta. She also
thanked CSC Chairman Mamba. Dladla mentioned that they have located Nxumalo’s
husband and will ensure he pays maintenance for his children, but he will not be
allowed to set foot at the homestead. This, she stated, is also the
responsibility of her office.
“We cannot allow people to abandon their children, especially after giving
birth to so many of them,” she asserted, adding that it is wrong and that His
Majesty commanded them to work with the MPs and inkhundla council to ensure the
needs of the people are met. She commended the inkhundla council for looking
after community needs and providing updates on what they require.