The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, through the Department of Human Settlements, has handed over 83 houses to destitute families in Qweqwe under the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. Among the beneficiaries was the Nkalane family, a child-headed household of seven, who lost their mother in 2017 and have since been living in extreme poverty.

Life has not been easy for us since our mother died,” said Yanga Nkalane, 29, the eldest sibling. "We were always scared during windy and rainy days because we knew we weren t safe. This new house will make a big difference in our lives."

The Nkalane family s previous home, a dilapidated mud structure, was further damaged by a disaster that affected villages in the O.R. Tambo District. Their new home marks a fresh start and a step towards safety and security.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, MEC Siphokazi Lusithi stressed the project s focus on vulnerable groups like child-headed households, the elderly, and the disabled. This project demonstrates our commitment to unlocking blocked housing projects for the benefit of families in need,” she said.

The Qweqwe Destitute 1000 project aims to build 1,000 houses, with 255 homes completed in the first phase. The handover forms part of the ongoing Heritage Month celebrations, which includes a handover of title deeds to 388 beneficiaries from Maydene Farm, which also benefits 17 military veterans.

This initiative reaffirms the Provincial Government s dedication to improving lives through dignified housing for vulnerable families in the Eastern Cape.