Collen Mashawana Foundation Successfully Handsover A New House In Umbumbulu, Kzn

The KZN Province experienced heavy rainfall that claimed the lives of more than 400 people. In response to a call to Ukhozi FM from a concerned neighbour to assist 80 years old Gogo Maphumulo, the Collen Mashawana Foundation and its partners paid a visit to the family to assess their situation. The partners for this project were Afribiz Invest, the Old Mutual Foundation and Spar.

We are pleased to announce that today we have successfully handed over a new house to Gogo Maphumulo and her two unemployed grandchildren. The event was held in Umbumbulu, KwaZulu-Natal.

The family was already facing challenges due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left them without a source of income and very little hope. The Old Mutual Foundation assisted the family with a fruits and vegetable garden, with the aim of supporting the surrounding neighbours as well. This was successfully launched on the 21st of September 2022.

The house was successfully built by our partners in construction, Afribiz Invest. The two bedroom house comes fully furnished, with a separate kitchen and dining room. We also installed a septic tank to ensure wastewater flows for basic sewage treatment, as well as a Jojo tank to ensure uninterrupted pressured water feed that is clean and safe.

Spar came on board as a retail partner to provide Gogo with groceries to the value of R5000 for the next five months. The neighbours who came to witness the occasion were also gifted with blankets.

The team had a lunch in Gogo’s new home and it was a day filled with gratitude. In his speech, the Chairman of The Collen Mashawana Foundation noted that Gogo was no longer walking with a stick due to the joy and fulfilment of owning a house that is safe and has access to basic needs such as water, sanitation and electricity. Research shows that people who lack access to basic needs suffer with mental health problems which then most likely can lead to a physical health condition and we are pleased to witness the immediate improvement on Gogo’s health.

The Foundation remains firmly committed to protecting and helping affected populations. We are also in continued gratitude to our donors and partners in helping us achieve our vision.