The commemoration of Human Rights Month took on tangible meaning in Mpoza Village, Ward 12, KwaBhaca, when the Umzimvubu Local Municipality handed over a newly built RDP home to Ms Bulelwa Rasmeni and her family on 3 March 2026.
For years, the Rasmeni family of five lived in a fragile shack that offered little protection against the elements. Heavy rains and strong winds often turned their daily lives into a struggle for safety, with the elderly matriarch and her grandchildren exposed to harsh and unpredictable weather conditions.
The new permanent structure, built at a cost of R237,579.72, now stands as a symbol of restored dignity and stability. The fully subsidised home provides the family with a secure and respectable living environment — something they had long hoped for.
“Today marks a new beginning for me and my children and grandchildren. We lived in fear whenever it rained or when strong winds blew through our shack. Receiving this beautiful home restores our safety. I am deeply grateful to Umzimvubu Local Municipality,” said Ms Rasmeni.
Municipal officials indicated that the decision to prioritise her for housing assistance followed an assessment of her living conditions, which were deemed unsafe and unsuitable, particularly for her grandchildren. Her case was fast-tracked in recognition of the vulnerability of the household.
Cllr Zukiswa Ndevu said the handover reflects the municipality’s broader commitment to addressing inadequate housing in local communities.
“As a Municipality, we recognise the serious challenges associated with inadequate shelter, particularly during adverse weather conditions. We therefore remain firmly committed to providing permanent housing solutions that restore dignity, promote safety and improve the quality of life of our residents, working together with the Department of Human Settlements,” she said.
The municipality further acknowledged that other residents remain in difficult living conditions and assured communities that housing matters are being attended to with the urgency they deserve.
As South Africa reflects on the importance of human rights this month, the handover in Mpoza Village highlights the practical impact of access to adequate housing — turning policy into progress and transforming lives one family at a time.
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