MADALA Wilson Jonga lived with relatives as he didn’t have a house of his own.
He then moved into a mkhukhu church as he wanted space for him and his wife.
But on Friday, 1 April, the 62-year-old and other residents received homes in Harare in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
The madala said all they could do in the church was pray that they’d one day get their own space.
“As I grew older, my concern was that my prayer will be answered when I’m in my grave.
“But thank God, my prayers were fulfilled while I’m alive.”
Wilson, who registered for a house in 1998, said he had never used a portable toilet before.
“Now I can flush and bath in a tub, something that has never happened before. It was a wonderful feeling to take a bath in my house. I even sat in the water for 30 minutes. I still feel like I’m dreaming,” said Wilson, who lives with wife Nokwanda Jonga.
They have two children, aged 30 and 39, who live in their own places.
Another beneficiary Mthunzimele Nukani (67) said he had been living in a shack for over 40 years.
He said he still couldn’t believe he was now living in a brick house.
“I will have sweet dreams in my own house. I was worried as the rain is around the corner as the roof in my shack was leaking.”
Ward 98 Councillor Anele Gabuza said the project was going to provide 483 homes for backyarders from Harare and Khayelitsha.
