By BAKANG MOKOTO

14 July 2025- The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has fulfilled a promise he made last year by handing over houses to two destitute families in Tlakgameng village, near Ganyesa, as part of build-up to his department’s Budget Vote that will be held later this month. Molapisi said the generous gesture was made possible through a successful partnership between the Department of Human Settlements and one developer contracted by the department to build houses in the area.

He further said the developer is said to be competent in the construction of houses with credible track record for constructing low cost houses for the department. Speaking during the handover, Molapisi added that it is through collaboration between the public and private sectors that they will be able to address the housing backlog and ensure that people have access to safe, affordable, and dignified living spaces.

“Today, we have brought back the dignity of the Setshogela and Montshabatho families. The houses we are handing over to them are a sign that our government continues to care about the plight of its people.

“This act of generosity has not only provided a safe and dignified shelter for the two vulnerable families but has also restored hope and a sense of belonging. It is through such meaningful interventions that lasting social change is achieved,” he said.  

Molapisi said the donation of the houses comes at the right time ahead of the departmental budget vote, which will be held on 23 July 2025, where he will outline plans by the department to achieve the mandate of creating a sustainable human settlement for all the citizens of the North West. He said the department extends its heartfelt appreciation to the philanthropists for their continued unwavering commitment to social responsibility and for making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.

“Their contribution is a true example of the power of partnerships between the government, private sector and communities in building a better future for all. 

Meanwhile, the handover was accompanied by other donations such as food parcels from the Department of Social Development, vegetable and seedlings from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and planting of trees in each household by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism. 

Receiving keys to the newly-built house, Kgomotso Ivy Setshogela, thanked the government and the contractor for gifting her family with the house. She said they now have a proper house structure to sleep in.

“I am grateful to the MEC and the contractor for affording me and my family shelter as I had long lost hope in our situation,” said Setshogela.

Setshogela (47) lives with 12 dependants in an old cracked house, which is on the brink of collapsing. The family survives through child support grants received by some of the children in the household.  

Another house beneficiary was the jubilant, Mmiki Montshabatho (70) who also gave gratitude to the department and all those involved for gifting the family with the new house. Montshabatho said she is overjoyed with the gesture and hoped that this does not only end with them and the same should be extended to others in need as well.

“We are a family of nine and we have been staying in a one-roomed shack. We did not have access to any government benefits such as grants and healthcare as we face challenges with civil documentation,” she said.

taungdilynews@gmail.com