A 54-year-old Phaphazela woman will forever cherish the 67 minutes dedicated to a good cause in honour of struggle icon Nelson Mandela.

The single mother, who looks after five children, stayed in a worn-down and dilapidated room with the children. Only two of the five receive a government grant and the family sometimes hardly has enough food.

Thulamela Mayor Cllr Grace Mahosi came to her house in March this year during a visit to the village. After assessing her situation, the mayor promised there and then to build her a house.

True to her word, the mayor went back to the family, this time with good news.

A house is being built and her situation is about to change for the better. Thulamela Municipality has joined hands with Lufuno Mphaphuli, a local businessman, and they are now building her a decent house. “Our attention was brought to this family through our people on the ground, who told us about the poor conditions they find themselves in. We visited the family and promised them a house, and we are here today to fulfil that promise. Her situation is bad and we cannot wait for her to be awarded an RDP house, which will take time. That is the reason why we prioritised her."

A happy Mthavini Mabasa said they were living in abject poverty and were happy that, at long last, they would have a place to call home. “We have been living in this situation for years. There is no privacy and the situation is not conducive for the children to study.”

Also see the pictures of other individuals dedicating their 67 minutes on Mandela Day.