Elderly granny’s RDP house plea falls on deaf ears

THOTO – Agnes Mahlaela, a 70-year-old granny from Thoto Village in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) Ward 7, has been living in a tiny, dilapidated shack with her son and niece since 2017, with no end in sight to their struggles.

The destitute family is living below the poverty line, with no one employed, and they survive solely on the old woman’s social grant.

Despite numerous pleas to the municipality and their local councillor, the family has received no assistance in her quest for a decent home.

The family’s living conditions are dire, with the shack offering little protection from the elements.

They describe their living conditions as an “everyday struggle,” adding that they asked for help so many times, but no one listens.

The Mahlaela’s situation is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many elderly and vulnerable individuals in rural areas.

Without a stable income and living in squalor, the family’s future looks bleak. Their hope for an RDP house, a government initiative aimed at providing housing for low-income families, has yet to materialize.

The local community has rallied around the family, with neighbors often sharing what little they have. However, without systemic support, the family’s plight continues.

“It is hard to see this family live like this. We were informed they have tried everything to get help, but it is like they are invisible to those in power,” said a community member who did not want to be named.

Elvis Seadingwe Ratau, a community leader in Thoto Village, condemned the situation in strong terms.

“That’s a horrible situation, there is no human being who should live like that, especially at this time of democracy. It is really so bad. Life is so difficult for the family especially the old woman who looks after her son and niece because they depend on a social grant. There is often no enough food in the family and life is hard for them,” he said.

Ratau furthered blamed government for failing the Mahlaela family by not intervening in their struggle.

“Makhduthamaga Municipality Ward 07 councillor and ward committee members should be held accountable,” he said.

Makhuduthamaga Municipal officials have yet to respond to media inquiries about the status of the Mahlaela family’s housing application and what steps, if any, are being taken to address their plight.