25 November 2005
As part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign against the abuse of women and children, the Gauteng Department of Housing is building 16 houses in 16 days to benefit 16 women, all victims of some kind of abuse. Construction began in Doornkop on Saturday.
South Africa is taking part in the global 16 Days campaign for the eighth year. Running from 25 November - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - to International Human Rights Day on December 10, the campaign highlights the plight of women and children who have suffered physical or emotional abuse.
The beneficiaries of the project are all survivors of domestic violence, single parents with dependants who have no proper house and are 45 or older. The 16 are among 20 housing applicants whose subsidies have been approved.
Local builders will be used for the construction, with the help of unemployed youngsters and volunteers from the Doornkop community. Gauteng MEC for Housing Nomvula Mokonyane will lend a hand by mixing sand and bricklaying.
"This is one among the many ways of empowering survivors of abusive relationships and domestic violence - providing shelter so that they can live peacefully with their children," Mokonyane says.
One of the beneficiaries is Tryphina Pohotuna (69), who has never owned a house. A former vegetable hawker, Pohotuna is homeless, disabled and subsists on her pension grant as ill health prevents her from working.
The other beneficiaries are Nozizwe Ndaba (71), Tombile Lillian Ndlovu (69), Mkhongwane Tryphina Pohotuna (69), Mamokgosi Caroline Mochadibane (67), Fikile Mabtha Ngwenya (65), Ntombizodwa Joyce Miya (64), Sisi Leah Nhlapo (63), Ouma Maria Monnana (63), Thoko Ellen Mdakane (63), Maria Mampule Sehume (63), Thandi Rhoda Motsoare (61), Nomasonto Margaret Kunene (61), Joyce Mngomezulu (57), Christinah Dikeledi Mbele (56), Nombalela Josephina Mvambi (56) and Kinto Letta Nlhapho (52).
SouthAfrica.info reporter
