Limpopo Housing Project SA

The situation with this project has seen a number of twists and turns, but basically the situation at Witbank is very likely to become untenable and with the family matriarch in her eighties there is likely to be some dispute as to the residence in question when her time comes. At this point Morongoa is has had her baby (Lesedi) and is now seeking work as a teacher in the Limpopo region. I can attest it is a somewhat cleaner and more suitable location for her and her family. She is most likely to accommodate her siblings also as her mother continues in Tembisa and she has extended family there too. She is looking bigger picture and to avoid being homeless is making enquires as to obtaing a place if not some land of her own which by all standards a good idea. To this end the funds donated thus far for the improvements at Witbank and the hope of a water project (which quite frankly has struggled) will now go towards supporting Moh's new objective in securing a home for the future. It is not an overly expensive exercise given it's location and the way governance of the area works. This region is governed by tribal Kings in conjunction with local police. Land is attainable (though not idealistic) as are small homes  or shacks some qualifying to be sold from the the past RDP (Reconstruction & Development Program). At this point there are a number of possibilities and when the appropriate location is found (preferably with some municipal power and water) the two families go to the King for his approval and he oversees the transaction. Once agreed this is taken and documented at the local police station. These places (depending on the usual factors) vary in cost from as little as R10 000 to R40 000. Of course in most cases what residence if any is generally a shack of some description and in need of either demolition and rebuild or its land only. 
To gain the support needed for this project would serve as a reminder of the true generous nature of humanity and how we are all connected and can care for one another in so many different ways. I could not express in words the gratitude that would be heart felt from all involved particularly to Moh and her family and the difference in security it would bring to their lives. 

There is an original ABC 4 Corners program in Tembisa featuring Morongoa although the entire episode is worth a watch for some background (she's from about 27 mins  in) https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/cry-freedom-promo/4881242 

Thanks in advance



(Original project dialogue)
Over the past 6 years I was  part of a small group who contributed to a bursary to put a young underprivileged girl (Morongoa) from a South African shanty in Tembisa through University and gain a teaching degree. Her family situation has and continues to be extremely challenging to say the least. They have been (some might say) fortunate to inherit a place in Mpumalanga further to the east of Johannesburg however the place has been a squat for over 15 years and is derelict and in disrepair. In addition it is close to a large coal mine which is the main industry of the region. Water is scarce and when available is unsanitary and makes them sick. Their greatest expense is water, something we all take for granted at the turn of a tap! There are many factual studies on the impacts on health of coal and other mining ventures close to communities and this is important in this case as any attempts to access water sources and even harvest rain water invariably has particulate issues too.
Morongoa, as is not uncommon in her culture is now expecting (due in April) and as the eldest is left with the responsibility of maintaining the home and family in the absence of her mother (Betty, with health issues of her own at 43) who is required to go where the work is. Morongoa has been unwell and does not have appropriate access to health facilities either. Their home is basically a large shed with rooms. It leaks like a sieve and requires a great deal of work to make it what most would consider habitable, especially where young children and babies are concerned. Her siblings are much younger, her brother Percy (18), sister Keketso (13) and brother Kanego only (3). 

I will be visiting her in March but have in the meantime engaged some willing reputable contractors to provide preliminary quotations to make necessary repairs.  The current figure sought is to provide a new roof, (and ceiling as there isn't one!), guttering, water harvesting & filtration system and use this as a model for the community that will hopefully deploy similar systems for common access. On this, Morongoa (Moh) has started a campaign on a local level to try and gain fair access to water for all in her community and our effort to help her and her family is hopefully just a start in aiding her in this larger endeavour.

The current figure also covers some other basic repairs to the place, like a front door (& jamb) that offers some security. There are many other works required that are not included but this is the starting point. Obviously, to raise the funds ASAP is all one can hope for but ideally by end of March 2019 (the next two months) would be miraculous and timely given the current situation.

To gain the support needed for this project would serve as a reminder of the true generous nature of humanity and how we are all connected and can care for one another in so many different ways. I could not express in words the gratitude that would be heart felt from all involved and the difference it would make to the lives of Moh and her family.

There is an original ABC 4 Corners program in Tembisa featuring Morongoa although the entire episode is worth a watch for some background (she's from about 27 mins  in) https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/cry-freedom-promo/4881242

Thanks in advance