The Mphephu Traditional Council and Masana Social Development and Training, in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Development, embarked on a project of helping people living with mental illnesses.

This follows after the three parties had first met during Mental Health Month in October last year. In the previous meeting it was agreed that the parties would go out to communities around Nzhelele and identify the mental health care users (MHCU), who would then receive training in computer skills, occupational health and safety, business management and first aid. It was also agreed that of all those people, one MHCU, whose living conditions demanded it, would get an RDP-structured house built for him or her.

In February this year, the parties agreed that of the four persons who qualified for a house, Mr Daniel Mukhoro (25), was the neediest. Masana Social Development and Training would build it as they are the main sponsor. “We are going to build a four-room house for Daniel,” said CEO for Masana, Mr NP Muladi. “We'll again give training to 20 mentally challenged persons from this area.”

Muladi said that training sessions would start in March, while the construction of the house was in the process of starting and would probably end at the end of July. The house will be handed over during Mental Health Month in October.

In accepting the news that her son was to get a house built for him, Daniel's mother, Vho-Seani Mukhoro, expressed her anticipation and joy. “At the moment there are four of us in the family and all of us sleep in this shack,” she said. “It's difficult to sleep in this place as there is not enough room for us all. Today I'm happy to hear the good news that these good people are going to build Daniel a proper house.”

Vho-Seani is unemployed and she said that she could not go out to seek any full-time job since her son needed to be taken good care of. "I once operated a fruit and veggie stall from home, but Daniel couldn't remain still when I assisted the customers," she said. "So I had to shut the business down."

Speaking on behalf of the Department of Health, mental health coordinator for Makhado B Mr David Netshivhazwaulu said that he valued the importance of the communities and traditional council working together with the department of health to better the lives of MHCUs. “We can't do it all on our own,” said Netshivhazwaulu. “We need the community to get involved as well.”