EMALAHLENI — In a touching and uplifting ceremony, the Executive Mayor of eMalahleni Municipality, Cllr Vusi Nhlapo, formally handed over a newly constructed and beautifully furnished home to the Malindisa family, a child-headed household of six siblings in Empumelelweni Extension 8 on Monday, June 9, 2025.
This life-changing intervention followed a distress call from the local community, prompting Mayor Nhlapo’s visit on April 26, 2025. The visit revealed the harsh conditions the children were living in, in a dilapidated shack, with the eldest sibling, a 23-year-old young woman, having cared for her siblings since the age of 10. One of the children is living with a disability, which further complicates the family’s challenges.
In response to the family’s dire situation, the municipality, under Mayor Nhlapo’s leadership, mobilised support from local businesses and community stakeholders. This collaborative effort involved Jibilika Construction, M Cube Engineering, Ursula Ntuli Incorporated Attorneys, and Destiny Resort, all playing key roles in bringing the project to fruition.
The outcome was a fully furnished and secure home, which Mayor Nhlapo described as “a foundation for a better future.” While the house was being built, the Malindisa siblings were temporarily accommodated at Destiny Resort to ensure their comfort and safety.
“This is the kind of collective action that changes lives,” Mayor Nhlapo said during the handover ceremony. “I thank the businesses, the caretakers, and everyone who contributed to making this possible. The Malindisa children now have a home, a foundation for a better future. This is the eMalahleni we believe in, a community that stands together in times of need.”
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Mr Speedy Mashilo, who officially opened the house. Also present were the Speaker of Council, Cllr Nombuso Shabangu; Chief Whip, Cllr Gift Koko; Municipal Manager, Sizwe Mayisela; MMC for Development and Planning, Cllr Nombuso Mokwana; Ward 23 Councillor, Cllr Klass Mbete; and other ward councillors.
The new home stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of what can be achieved through unity, compassion, and decisive leadership. For the Malindisa siblings, it is more than just walls and furniture, it marks the start of a new chapter filled with dignity, security, and opportunity.
This initiative highlights eMalahleni Municipality’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities and shows the powerful impact of public-private partnerships in delivering meaningful change.
