A lifetime gift for 107-year old gogo

On a day that South Africa's icon Nelson Mandela turned 93, one elder felt how its like to finally have a house she can proudly call her own and was further showered with blankets, bed and groceries. A day filled with activities in an effort to play a part in a call to do something positive for the less destitute, Emfuleni Local Municipality made an old citizen's dream come true. 107-year-old Lettia Mthimkhulu from Sonderwater received an RDP house in Tshepiso North Extension 1, Sharpville from the municipality; this comes after her plea in the media to own a house before she dies.

ELM, Executive Mayor Greta Hlongwane said ''This is an unfortunate incident where we had to learn about gogos plight through the media, we have councilors and would like the community to liaise with them should something of this nature occur. An audit will be conducted to find out how many others can receive help, complete and empty houses will be allocated to the elderly and we acknowledge that this cannot all be done in 67 minutes. It is our mission to eradicate shacks but make no mistake as these houses are not for family and friends. We also won't tolerate people flocking into our area in a sense that they will get houses.''

She further urged mothers within the community to help those in need, they know of elders who can't do anything for themselves therefore it won't hurt to give a helping hand not only on Mandela day.

LAUNCH OF A MOBILE CLINIC

Meanwhile a mobile clinic was launched and presented to the residents of an informal settlement in Barrage, Vanderbijlpark. The clinic which will be situated next to a police station will be made available to the community three days a week.

Sindiswa Moeketsi, Acting Environmental Management, Health & Social Development demonstrated the clinic which consist of a generator on board. ''The clinic is a breath of fresh air to this area because long distance trips to health care centers elsewhere will no longer be necessary, it will render numerous services ranging from primary health care such as pap smear, chronic illnesses and mental health treatment. In circumstance where the situation is severe an ambulance will be called, I urge those who are infected with HIV/Aids to live positively by getting treatment;'' she said.