Jubilation filled the air during the official handover of houses of 76 indigent families in Lindelani just outside Galeshewe in Kimberley on Thursday 13 November 2014.  The houses were built by 90 youth volunteers following a national youth service program launched by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The project which is rotating countrywide was in the Northern Cape is dedicated to the 1976 Youth uprisings. 

The partnership between the all three spheres of government was attended by deputy Minister for Human Settlements Zou Kota-Fredericks, Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas, MEC Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs Alvin Botes, Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Local Municipality Cllr D Molusi and NYDA deputy chair Kenny Morolong. 

An elated Annie Motlhodiemang (53) new owner  of one of Corobrik sponsored houses , was born in Galeshewe and moved to Lindelani in 2000 to seek shelter for herself, two children and one grandchildren.  Houses are 40 square metres with disability-friendly toilets. 

Musa Shangase, Corobrik Commercial Director was at the opening.  He said, “We are delighted to assist people like Annie Motlhodiemang, a domestic worker who has struggled to earn money to feed her family.    Many times during the 14 years she lived in a shack, it was blown away by severe winds.   She is happy to receive a ‘proper’ house built using quality materials that lend dignity and provide a sense of home.”

Corobrik’s Nebraska Travertine Light Face brick Corobrik with double skin brickwork has been used on the houses being built at Lindelani.  A double skinned face brick home fulfils all three sustainable development imperatives â€" economic, social and environmental.

“The high thermal mass inherent in double skin clay brick cavity walls of these smaller footprint homes is what helps keep the inside of such homes cool in summer and warm in winter,” continued Shangase. “This is important in the Northern Cape which has widely fluctuating temperatures.”

“Owners are pleased that their new homes look good because of the natural colour of the face brick and that they will never have to spend money on painting the outside walls. Knowing that they will also save on energy costs and that they are living in a good quality house is just as satisfying for them. The community is very happy with this project,” concluded Shangase.

Corobrik donated two houses in the 14 year old informal settlement.  At the opening Premier Lucas hailed the project as a huge success by all three spheres of Government. 

Ends

Distributed on behalf of Corobrik (Pty) Ltd

For more information contact Musa Shangase on 011 871 8600.

Distributed by Shirley Williams Communications.

Contact Shirley on 083 303 1663 or shirley@swcommunications.co.za