Years of waiting finally came to an end this week for two Ward 33 residents, as Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality handed over brand-new homes to Mr. Zayo Tuku (100) and Ms. Mkita Nombeko (77).
The keys were handed over by Executive Mayor, Cllr. Babalwa Lobishe, and MMC for Human Settlements, Cllr. Thembinkosi Mafana, in an event filled with emotion and gratitude.
For Mr. Tuku, the moment was the culmination of decades of patience. “I am deeply grateful,” he said, overwhelmed as he stepped into his new home. Ms. Nombeko could not hold back tears of joy when she walked through the doorway for the very first time.
“These homes are more than just shelter,” Mayor Lobishe told the community. “They are a restoration of dignity, hope, and belonging.”
She explained that the housing handover formed part of the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and aligned to the 7th Administration’s national priorities.
“Housing delivery stimulates local economic activity, creates jobs in construction, and develops skills within our communities. By fulfilling housing commitments transparently and consistently, we build public trust and demonstrate that government is truly working for the people. Moreover, decent housing reduces the burden on families, offering security, stability, and an improved quality of life,” said Mayor Lobishe.
So far, the Human Settlements Programme has delivered 20 homes in Ward 33, with a total of 600 homes to be completed or rectified by December 2025. The project is supported by the Ward-Based Budget for 2025/26, ensuring that investment directly benefits residents.
For Nelson Mandela Bay, the milestone reflects more than housing delivery. It embodies the city’s commitment to its three IDP priorities:
- Infrastructure and Service Delivery through quality housing and essential services.
- Economic Development by creating jobs and boosting local contractors.
- Good Governance by ensuring transparency, accountability, and partnership with communities.
As the Municipality marks this milestone, the day belongs most of all to residents like Mr. Tuku and Ms. Nombeko—proof that even after decades of waiting, dignity restored is dignity worth celebrating.
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