Soldiers and local partners build a new home for a family in KZN

After living in a dilapidated house with no basic amenities, including doors, the Simelane family in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal can now sleep peacefully after getting a house. 

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was part of many contributors who ensured the Simelane family had a decent roof over their heads by building them a house.

Captain Anelisiwe Tamela of Joint Operations Tactical Headquarters KZN said the 4 South African Infantry Battalion, stationed under the Joint Tactical Headquarters KwaZulu-Natal as part of Operation Corona, has given back to the community with the Simelane family being one of the recent beneficiaries. 

“The family was selected for assistance due to their dire living conditions; they had been residing in a dilapidated two-room mud house that lacked basic amenities, including doors,” Tamela said. 

“This initiative officially commenced in January 2025, marking the start of a transformative journey for the family and offering them a fresh start.”

Leading the project was Captain Maditale Magane and Corporal Martha Msiza, who worked closely with the local Induna and the Mboloba village community. 

This project’s success was due to the collaboration of a diverse group of stakeholders: 

• Junk DIY provided crucial building materials necessary for the construction of the house.
• Asif Hardware and Friends Hardware contributed additional resources to support the project.
• Roto Tank made a donation.
• Boxer lent their support to the initiative.
• Joe Xaba and Mduduzi Shongwe donated.
• UPhongolo Municipality facilitated electricity connection for the house.

Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters KwaZulu-Natal, Colonel Mkululi Saki handed over the house to Joyce Simelane on March 19. 

The Mboloba Village community, uPhongolo Municipality and local traditional leaders witnessed the handover. 

“I am sincerely thankful for what the soldiers did for me and my children. This is not just a house, but also a home for my children and me. I am truly grateful, may God bless them,” said an overwhelmed Simelane. 

uPhongolo Municipality mayor Bhekinkosi Thwala praised the battalion’s work. 

“Today, we celebrate not only the completion of a new home for the Simelane family but also the spirit of kindness, generosity, and community that has made this project possible. I thank the soldiers for their tireless efforts in building this house, and I thank the Simelane family for their cooperation. This is a proud moment for our community, and we are honoured to have such dedicated and compassionate soldiers serving among us,” Thwala said. 

Colonel Saki gave sincere thanks to the soldiers for their unwavering dedication and hard work in improving the lives of the Simelane family.

Colonel Saki also expressed sincere gratitude to the generous sponsors, whose essential contributions made the construction of the new home possible.

“This collaboration has not merely resulted in the creation of a physical shelter; it has also played an essential role in restoring the dignity of the Simelane family,” Colonel Saki said.

Tamela added that to fulfil their duty of safeguarding KZN’s borders against illegal activities, the soldiers also engage in community outreach programs, reflecting their unwavering commitment to positively impacting the lives of those they serve. 

“Our soldiers have a long history of community outreach programs, and this project is just the latest example of their selfless efforts.”

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za