Women's Build Project builds 50 houses to mark the 50th Anniversary

In commemorating 50 years of the historic anti-pass march by women this month, pensioners from the age of 50 will benefit from Women's Build Housing Project in Orange Farm, South of Johannesburg.

Also of paramount importance, this project is aimed at encouraging women to be involved in the construction sector. This is in line with the government strategy to empower women in construction. A 200million has been set aside by the housing department to empower women within the construction sector. This project, Women's Build is a joint effort between Thubelisha, Gauteng and the National Department of Housing, NHBRC, Women for Housing and City of Jo'burg.

The first 25 houses are expected to be handed over to the beneficiaries as from the 14 August until 18 August when the last 25 houses will be handed over. One of the beneficiaries Mariam Malaza, 63 years said: "finally God has answered my prayers and now I will have my own house."

Malaza worked as a domestic servant in a farm before settling in the newly formed settlement of Orange Farm. Another beneficiary Letia Hlokwana (88) who has shared her shack with her six children for 11 years was elated.

She said rain flooding her shack will be a thing of the past, not to mention an incident where she had to spend a night in the cold because her shack was blown off by the wind.

About 200 volunteers have been trained for this project by a skilled woman constructor Nthato Letlhoekoe of Basadi Tswaranang Together. "In terms of expanding my career as well as owning a company it feels good." Letlhoekoe however said it hasn't been easy to start a project as well as forging a good working relationship with her employees.

She added that she would like build a good relationship with other construction companies and empower women to participate in the construction industry.

The volunteers will hopefully gain experience and start their own companies as one volunteer Lerato Mosisidi (31), who expressed a desire to start a construction company.

Both Basadi Tshwaranang Together and Vuk'zibambe are the project's main constructers explained Laura Msimang of Thubelisha Homes. The company Thubelisha Homes supplies housing stock, financed by subsidies provided by the Provincial Housing Departments.