Gamalakhe Community project Concluded
 Earlier in the year a small group of business people operating out of KwaZulu-Natal South Coast Region, committed themselves to doing what was necessary to complete a construction project, aimed at uplifting the Shozi family in the Gamalakhe township west of Port Shepstone.
Nduduzo and Ntuthuko Shozi age 15 and 16, both school going, lost their parents 3 years ago and were living in an unsafe structure with uncle Eugene Shozi, a Tuberculosis sufferer.
Ray Basson representing Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal, and George Enslin from Wakefields spearheaded the project which got underway with a sod turning ceremony on the 1st of August 2009.
In attendance were several high ranking government officials including Sports and Recreational Minister Makhenkesi Stofile, MEC for Health from the KZN Provincial Legislature, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, The Mayor of Ugu Municipality Councillor Sithembiso Cele and Deputy Mayor Cynthia Mqwebe.
Three months later the Shozi family were able to move into their new home and on Wednesday 11 November 2009, the occasion was joyously celebrated with a handing over of the key ceremony, led by an emotionally charged Mayor Cele. He graciously thanked everybody for their involvement and stated that a great patriotic spirit had been demonstrated.
Mayor Cele reflected upon an earlier meeting were an initial request for supply of materials led to a conversation whereby it was agreed that the initiative also presented an excellent opportunity to provide skills training within the local Gamalakhe community. All labour came from within the township allowing individuals to acquire building experience as well as practical skills that are marketable.
Finance labour and building materials were donated by the following organizations.
- Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal: R20000.00
- Ugu Municipality: R10000.00
- Anthony & Basson: Project Management and Labour
- Cee-Hoo: Site Management
- Blue Gold: 3m3 Concrete for foundation
- NPC: Concrete for foundation, floorslab & 5m3 river sand
- Aries Building Suppliers: 60 pockets cement
- Vongo Bricks ‘n Block: bricks & all lintels
- Kulucrete: 1000 Blocks 6”
- Port Shepstone Quarries: 10m3 Building and plaster sand
- Build It (Port Shepstone): Usb green / brickforce / dpc / rooftiles & window frames.
- Builders Trade Depot: Door frames & Maranti doors & locks
- KG Glass: Glazing (6xNC2)
- Hi Tech Roofing: All roof timber
- Belcom: Roof sheeting / tiles
- FS Gonzalves: Painting of all structures new and old
- Sonny Bushaya Construction: Electrical work
- Build It (Margate): Corrugated Roofing
Mayor Cele in closing touched on the state of the economy and commended all contributors for having had the courage to put their hand up during challenging times. He ended off by humbly encouraging all who participated to view this as the beginning, rather than an end.
Ernest Roper | Webmaster
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