DELMAS – In a significant move to alleviate housing shortages in the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, three families in Delmas have been selected as beneficiaries of a housing initiative led by Amor South Africa, in partnership with the South African Special Risk Insurance Association (SASRIA). This initiative forms part of a broader mission to empower vulnerable communities by providing stable housing for those who have been left behind by conventional municipal housing programmes or still waiting.
On 20 September, the Msiza, Nonyana, and Mabena families were handed the keys to their newly constructed homes in Extension 5, Delmas. For Msiza, the head of the household and a pensioner, this moment was an end of years of uncertainty. Overcome with emotion, he expressed his appreciation for the house, saying, “I’m deeply grateful for this gift. As a pensioner, I couldn’t afford it. This is a dream come true. I pray Amor and SASRIA continue to help those in need.”
The initiative has provided not only homes but also a renewed sense of security, stability, and belonging for the families, who previously struggled to benefit from the municipality’s housing programme.
Ntombifuthi Ndlovu, Corporate Social Investment (CSI) administrator for SASRIA, highlighted the importance of this gesture. “Handing over these houses today is crucial in showing SASRIA’s commitment to making a difference in communities through our corporate social investment,” she said. Ndlovu also stressed that beyond providing shelter, the project restores dignity to the most marginalised. “We’re proud to have partnered with Amor to build 21 homes for families in Delmas and across South Africa. Our goal is to uplift communities and create better living conditions.”
Zingisa Mapasa, Director of Amor South Africa, shared the inspiring backstory of the organisation, which began in 1980 when founders Scott and Gayla Congdon built orphanages in Mexico. “They realised people needed homes, not institutions, so they shifted focus to building houses in Tijuana. In 2008, we introduced this model to South Africa, starting in Orange Farm, before expanding to Delmas, where we found that residents owned or had purchased land,” she said.
“Since then, we’ve built over 50 homes, with the primary goal of supporting the poorest in our communities and keeping families together,” Mapasa added.
Attending the official handover, Mayor Vusi Buda conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders involved in turning this project into reality.
