There was joy when a poor woman, who did not have a roof over her head, was aided by a Good Samaritan who built her a brand new five-roomed house.

The 38-year-old, unemployed Ms Elisa Mulaudzi of Tshitungulwane village in the Vuwani area was staying with her four children in a small, dilapidated, one-roomed mud house when a contractor discovered her and changed her life for the better. Tshipuliso Barnabas Tshisikule of Ridakule Civil Engineering and Construction only learnt about Mulaudzi ‘s living conditions when he was constructing toilets in the village as part of the Vhembe District’s sanitation project programme. “When I reached Ms Mulaudzi’s house, I realized that I would not be doing justice by constructing a toilet for the family when they did not have a descent place to stay, a house to sleep in. I was very touched by the family’s poor living conditions. I decided to build her a house,” said Tshisikule.

He said he wanted to restore dignity to the Mulaudzi family. “It is our responsibility as contractors to reach out to the rest of the society, uplifting the lives of the poor community members,” he said. According to Tshisikule, the house cost R120 000.

Tshisikule had been allocated a contract to build 500 units of toilets in the village. He did not just build a house for the family but also fitted it out with furniture.

Mulaudzi said she appreciated that at least out of thousands of people out there, there was somebody out there with a heart of gold. “I don’t know how I can thank Tshisikule; the man just made my dream come true. She cries when thinking that her four-month-old baby girl now has a place to stay. “At times I did not know where to run to with my little girl when it rains and during strong winds,” she sobbed.

The mayor of Makhado Municipality, Cllr Mavhungu Luruli, who officially handed over the house, said the municipality welcomed the partnership. “Government on its own cannot do it but if other stakeholders get involved and emulate what Tshisikule has done, a lot can be achieved,” she said

The Department of Agriculture donated trees and vegetable seedlings which were planted in the backyard during the event.