In a heartwarming and inspiring gesture of compassion, the Colleen Mashawana Foundation, in collaboration with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), recently came together to restore dignity and hope to families affected by devastating floods in the King Cetshwayo District of KwaZulu-Natal. On the 12th of October 2023, this alliance handed over the keys to two newly built houses, bringing joy and solace to those who had suffered immensely.
One of the houses found its new residents in a child-headed family of four, with the eldest member being a 26-year-old named Thembelihle Kunene. Thembelihle’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and the profound impact that a helping hand can have on a family’s life. In an emotional interview, she expressed her profound gratitude to the Colleen Mashawana Foundation and the IDC.
Before the arrival of this benevolent initiative, Thembelihle’s family lived in deplorable conditions. Their previous dwelling lacked a roof, leaving them exposed to the elements. When it rained, the water would seep into their home, drenching their belongings and making life unbearable. Even during dry spells, their situation remained dire. Cats would enter freely, pilfering their food, and dust would infiltrate their meals, adversely affecting their health. These were not mere inconveniences but daily challenges that the family had to grapple with, particularly given the presence of young children in the household. As seen in the image below.
The dream of owning a proper home and escaping these harsh living conditions had always seemed distant and unattainable for Thembelihle’s family. They had hoped that someday, when they were financially stable, they would be able to make this dream come true. However, the benevolence of the Colleen Mashawana Foundation, with the support of the IDC, turned this dream into a reality.
Thembelihle spoke of how, against all odds, this act of kindness had completely transformed their lives. They had never imagined that help would come from as far as Limpopo, bringing with it the promise of a brighter future. With the weight of their previous hardships lifted, the family now has the opportunity to live a life of comfort, security, and hope.
Yet, challenges remain. Thembelihle emphasized a critical issue in her life, one that threatens her dreams and aspirations. She revealed that she does not possess a valid South African ID, and despite persistent efforts, she has been unable to obtain one. This has proven to be a significant obstacle in her life, preventing her from completing her education and seeking employment to support herself and her sister and provide for their basic needs.
The second house was awarded to Emelda Sibisi of Emkhobosa Esikhaleni seNkosi. Emelda Sibisi’s life is a poignant testament to the transformative power of compassion and community support. A mother of three, with two young grandchildren, she endured years of hardship living in a one-bedroom mud house in the aftermath of devastating floods that ravaged the King Cetshwayo District of KwaZulu-Natal. Even the single room constructed from concrete building blocks had succumbed to the relentless rains, leaving her eldest son with no choice but to rent a separate room to secure shelter for himself. The dire circumstances she faced were further exacerbated by the fruitless search for assistance, which left her feeling abandoned and overlooked.
Emelda recounted her disheartening experiences of people coming, taking pictures, and promising help, only for those promises to vanish into thin air. Some would assert that her house, built from more durable materials than mud, disqualified her from receiving aid. This cycle of disappointment and neglect persisted for years, with no intervention in sight. Her pleas for help remained unanswered until the Colleen Mashawana Foundation and the Industrial Development Corporation stepped in to make a life-changing difference.
The collaborative efforts of these two organizations brought a ray of hope into Emelda’s life in the form of a beautiful, new home. For the first time in a long time, she could experience the joy of having a secure and dignified place to call her own. Her tears of despair were replaced by tears of gratitude, and she couldn’t be more appreciative of the support extended to her.
Emelda now feels like a complete woman, with her dignity restored and her hope rekindled. The benevolence of the Colleen Mashawana Foundation and the IDC not only provided her with a physical shelter but also the emotional and psychological comfort that comes from knowing that she has not been forgotten and that her community cares for her well-being. As seen in the images below, it is without a doubt that she has found renewed hope.
Emelda’s story is a testament to the profound impact that small acts of kindness and genuine support can have on individuals and communities in need. It serves as a reminder that, when individuals and organizations come together to make a difference, they can truly transform lives, one family at a time. Thembelihle and Emelda’s lives are no longer defined by hardship but by the promise of a brighter, more secure future, and they extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Colleen Mashawana Foundation and the IDC for their unwavering support in their time of need. Their stories are a poignant reminder that benevolent acts like those carried out by the Colleen Mashawana Foundation and the IDC not only provide shelter but also the promise of a brighter future for those in need. It is a testament to the power of compassion and the ability of organizations and individuals to make a profound impact on the lives of others. Through their collective efforts, they are not only rebuilding houses but also restoring dignity, hope, and opportunities for a better life.
The IDC, or Industrial Development Corporation, plays a crucial role in supporting manufacturing businesses in South Africa. As a government entity, it functions as a financial institution that serves as a kind of “bank” for these businesses. This support is vital for the growth and development of the manufacturing sector, which, in turn, contributes to economic stability and job creation.
In addition to their core financial services, the IDC also embraces corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, often referred to as CSI (Corporate Social Investment). They allocate a portion of their budget to these initiatives, with the primary aim of assisting the communities in which they operate. This commitment to social responsibility underscores the IDC’s dedication not only to economic development but also to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in these communities.
The budget allocated for CSI initiatives is a clear indication of the IDC’s recognition of its role in broader societal development. By engaging in community-oriented projects and initiatives, the IDC can address social challenges and contribute to the overall well-being of the people they serve. This dual focus on business support and community engagement exemplifies the IDC’s multifaceted approach to economic and social development in South Africa.
Colleen Mashawana, the founder of the Colleen Mashawana Foundation, shares a profound insight into the organization’s tireless mission. In a recent interview, he revealed that over the past three years, the foundation has undertaken the noble task of constructing more than 400 homes. This remarkable achievement is a testament to their unwavering commitment to making the lives of individuals and families better.
The foundation’s journey spans over a remarkable 11 years, during which it has consistently focused on reaching those most in need: the elderly, individuals living with disabilities, and child-headed families. Their purpose is deeply rooted in the belief that by providing shelter and support, they can bring about positive change and enhance the quality of life for those who have faced adversity.
To achieve their goals, the Colleen Mashawana Foundation collaborates with a vast network of individuals and organizations, each contributing various forms of support. Whether it’s groceries, blankets, or other necessities, these partnerships create a robust framework for helping people in need.
Their current collaboration with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for the KZN rebuild program is a testament to their adaptability and resourcefulness. As they assist flood-affected families in KZN, they also work diligently to boost local businesses. Whether it’s plumbing, construction, or other services, the foundation prioritizes local businesses, further stimulating the economy and creating opportunities within the community.
What truly sets the Colleen Mashawana Foundation apart is their commitment to sustainability. They go beyond simply building homes; they endeavor to build families. For instance, in the case of the Kunene sisters, they plan to ensure that the eldest sister obtains her South African ID and secures employment. This focus on long-term sustainability ensures that the families they assist not only have a roof over their heads but also the means to maintain and improve their lives.
The eligibility criteria for assistance from the Colleen Mashawana Foundation are clear: they target the elderly, child-headed families, and individuals living with disabilities who endure challenging living conditions. By identifying those most in need and working tirelessly to uplift them, the foundation exemplifies the power of collective compassion and community support.
In Colleen Mashawana’s own words, “There is more than just a home that we build; we build families.” This sentiment captures the essence of their mission, emphasizing that their impact transcends bricks and mortar. They are building a foundation of hope, resilience, and a brighter future for countless families in need.
