Mama Ziyekeni’s story is one of resilience in the face of immense hardship. After losing her husband in 2003, she found herself in a desperate situation, forced to sell their house to cover funeral costs. This left her and her family, including adopted children and grandchildren orphaned by HIV/AIDS and crime, living in a dilapidated shack.

Despite the challenges, Mama Ziyekeni has been a pillar of strength for her family, providing love and care with the meagre income she receives from her old age grant. However, their home is barely habitable, lacking basic amenities like proper sanitation, privacy, and security.

The dire conditions of their current living situation include:

• Overcrowding: Eleven people share a single plot, with makeshift shacks built in the yard to provide some semblance of privacy for older children and grandchildren.
• Lack of sanitation: There is only one toilet, located outside, and no shower or bathtub.
• No privacy: Mama Ziyekeni sleeps in the communal lounge area, which also serves as a kitchen and access point to other sleeping areas.
• Health hazards: The shack is poorly constructed and offers little protection from the elements.

There is A Chance for a Better Future:

Isidima Housing Development (IHD) is committed to helping Mama Ziyekeni and her family build a better future. We’re working to raise funds to construct a new, 40 square meter house that will provide them with:

• Safe and secure shelter: The new house will be built to proper standards, offering protection from the elements and security for the family.
• Improved sanitation: The house will have a full bathroom with a toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower.
• Privacy and dignity: The house will have two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a lounge area, providing adequate space and privacy for the family.

How You Can Help:

We need your support to make this dream a reality for Mama Ziyekeni and her family. Your donation, no matter how big or small, can help us build them a safe and comfortable home where they can live with dignity and safety. We have set ourselves a challenge to raise the equivalent of the National Housing Subsidy amount of R160,000.00 for this cause.

Here are some ways you can contribute:

1. Contact us about donating to the Mama Ziyekeni Trust Account: Your donation will go directly towards the construction of their new 40-square-meter house.
2. Share Mama Ziyekeni’s story: Help us raise awareness about their situation and encourage others to donate.
3. Volunteer your time and skills: If you have expertise in construction, project management, or fundraising, we welcome your support.

For any further information, please contact Ms. Belinda Nkonzo. Donations can be made to the Mama Ziyekeni Trust Account, which will be made available to you upon request.

Any contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of Mama Ziyekeni and her family!