As part of the Eastern Cape Youth Day Commemoration Programme, the Provincial Government, through the Department of Human Settlements, took meaningful steps to address housing challenges faced by young people in the Chris Hani District Municipality. Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, officiated the handover of houses to youth-headed households in the communities of Emalahleni and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities. This initiative is a key component of the broader Human Settlements Development Programme, which continues to transform lives across the province.
Among the beneficiaries was 26-year-old Thokozile Vumazonke from Cofimvaba in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, who received a house as part of the Department s Chris Hani District 1300 Destitute Project. Vumazonke lost her parents at a young age, as well as her home, in a natural disaster. Upon receiving the keys to her new home, she said, "This home means stability, safety, and promise of a better tomorrow."
MEC Lusithi reaffirmed government s commitment to continue working with local municipalities, traditional leaders, and community structures to fast-track housing delivery and prioritise the most vulnerable, including the youth.
The handover in Emalahleni Local Municipality marked Phase 3, the final phase of the Sinakho Zwelethemba 289 Human Settlements Project, which has delivered 91 houses and created 103 job opportunities for local residents, 48 of whom are young people.
The recipient, Luphumlo Boniswa, a 20-year-old who has taken on the responsibility of caring for his two younger siblings following the passing of their mother and grandmother, now has a safe and permanent home. The Boniswa family is one of the 91 beneficiaries. Prior to receiving the house, the family lived in an unstable mud structure, facing daily challenges related to safety and poor living conditions.
An emotional Luphumlo expressed deep gratitude to the Department and the Eastern Cape Government: I am so emotional and grateful at the same time. I now have a place I can truly call home. This house means everything to us. We feel safe, and we have a new beginning.”
Speaking at the ceremony, MEC Lusithi said: We are not merely handing over houses. We are restoring dignity and creating a legacy for generations to come. Young people like Luphumlo, who have taken on the role of caregiver under difficult circumstances, deserve the full support of their government and community.”
The Youth Day intervention reflects the Eastern Cape Provincial Government s efforts to building sustainable communities while responding directly to the needs of the province's youth, empowering them with access to safe, decent housing and supporting their aspirations for a better life.
