Durban — A KwaZulu-Natal grandmother was all smiles after the SANDF’s 8 South African Infantry Battalion handed over the house they built her.
L Ndlovu had lived with her two grandchildren in a plastic-covered dwelling in the Pongola area, northern KZN.
“Blessed is the hand that gives.”
Private T Kataka spoke these words during the ceremonial handing over of a newly constructed residence by the 8 South African Infantry Battalion to the Ndlovu family in Pongola.
Captain Anelisiwe Tamela of Joint Operations Tactical Headquarters KZN explained that on May 24, the deployed members were approached by the induna of KwaLubisi, who requested assistance for L Ndlovu, a resident living with her two grandchildren in a plastic dwelling. The induna expressed the urgent need for any support the unit could provide to improve their living conditions.
Then, on May 27, the working committee convened to present the family’s situation to the Officer Commanding, Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph and other staff members. After careful deliberation, the committee decided to assist Ndlovu by facilitating the construction of a two-room house. The initiative would be supported by soliciting donations and sponsorships from various sources.
Tamela said that, tragically, on May 28, the chaplain reported that one of Ndlovu’s grandchildren had died after a brief illness. The loss was compounded by further sorrow when it was reported on May 29 that the remaining child had also died of natural causes.
“In light of these unfortunate events, the working committee resolved to extend their support to the grieving family by providing groceries to assist them during the funeral arrangements. The committee engaged with the Pongola Municipality and approached several hardware suppliers to seek donations. Both entities responded positively, offering assistance and supporting the initiative,” Tamela said.
She said to realise the successful execution of this project, 1 000 building blocks, window frames, door frames, floor membrane, plastic, roofing materials, two doors, a 1 000-litre JoJo tank and binding wire were generously provided.
“The working committee further identified a skilled team of builders and clearly delineated their respective roles and responsibilities in relation to the project. It was collectively resolved that the construction of the two-room house would involve the participation of members from the battalion headquarters and Alpha Company, who were encouraged to contribute an agreed-upon amount to ensure the success of this vital initiative,” Tamela said.
“This occasion not only marked the culmination of a significant community service initiative, but also underscored the spirit of generosity and support that the military aims to foster within the communities it serves. The event was attended by various dignitaries and community members, all gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion and to witness the positive impact of such charitable endeavours on the lives of a deserving family.”
Tamela added that the deployed battalion in KZN is engaged in the critical task of safeguarding and protecting the border. In addition to fulfilling their primary mandate of ensuring the security of the border against illegal activities, these members are committed to positively impacting the local community in which they operate.
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