Media Advisory

 

The Minister of Social Development, Ms. Lindiwe Zulu, and the Chairperson of the Collen Mashawana Foundation, Mr. Collen Mashawana will on Saturday, 5 March 2022 visit homeless 74-year old Gogo Ngqolwana, who lives with her nephew out of a broken-down car in Orange Farm, Gauteng Province.

 

The purpose of the visit is to assess how the Department of Social Development, working jointly with the Collen Mashawana Foundation, can restore the dignity of Gogo Ngqolwana who has been struggling to find a house for many years.

 

“It is disheartening to see Gogo Ngqolwana’s story, her daily struggles, and the harsh realities of homelessness. Our partnership with the Collen Mashawana Foundation was born out of the need to respond urgently to situations such as the one that Gogo Ngqolwana and her nephew are experiencing. The Department of Social Development is a custodian of matters relating to the wellbeing of older persons,” said Minister Zulu.

 

The Department of Social Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Collen Mashawana Foundation which focuses on providing decent shelter for older persons, child-headed households,  and persons with disabilities.

 

To date, the Collen Mashawana Foundation in partnership with Afribiz Invest has built, and handed over, 260 new houses to destitute families across the country.

 

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover Minister Zulu’s visit scheduled as follows:

 

Date: Saturday, 5 March 2022

Venue: Section 7A next to Solwazi Primary School, Orange Farm

Time: 11h00-12h00

 

Members of the media can RSVP by contacting Ms. Sharlene Naiker on 082 673 5849 / e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Ms. Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane on 066 480 6845/ e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

 

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Media enquiries may be directed to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.