Gogo Katrinah Nkosi. Pic: Supplied by- Mzwakhe Magagula
Katrinah Nkosi (83), known as Gogo Katrinah, claims she has been waiting for an RDP house since 2018 after her mud house was destroyed by fire in September that year.
Nkosi said she originally approached the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality (CALM) to register for housing in 2018 because her previous home was in poor condition. However, her situation worsened significantly when the structure caught fire.
“I am living in a terrible situation. Criminals have been taking advantage of my vulnerability, stealing my belongings and adding to my stress. I am tired of struggling; I have been through enough. I have waited since 2018, it is far too long. Sometimes, I wish death would come soon because it is all too much to bear,” she lamented.
As a pensioner, Nkosi is unable to afford building a new home. She is pleading with the public and business community to assist her in securing a safe and stable shelter.
The CALM’s spokesperson, Thapelo Phetla, said the municipality is aware of the case but wanted to clarify the timeline. According to municipal records, the fire occurred in 2024, not 2018.
He said the Municipal Disaster Management Team was dispatched and attended to the scene promptly after the incident was reported.
“I must stress that the municipality treats such matters with utmost seriousness, especially when they involve our vulnerable senior citizens. We confirm that Gogo Nkosi had been registered and her name appears on the official disaster assessment list for her ward. This registration is the critical first step for any emergency housing intervention,” Phetla said
He further explained that the delay was due to an initial assessment indicating only a partial burning of the structure.
This necessitated a follow-up investigation by officials from the Department of Human Settlements to compile a comprehensive report.
This report must contain specific damages with the National Housing Policy and the municipality’s current project planning cycles.
CALM acknowledged that the process can be protracted and is currently reviewing internal channels to expedite cases involving the elderly.
“As an immediate step, the municipality has instructed the Human Settlements Department, in collaboration with Community Services and the Ward Councillor, to conduct a joint urgent visit within the next 48 hours,” Phetla added.
The objectives of this visit include assessment of the current dwelling and implementing immediate interim measures to ensure Gogo Nkosi’s safety from the elements and criminal activity.
This would include the potential provision of emergency temporary shelter and fast-tracking finalization of her housing intervention file.
The department has committed to providing a clear, written plan of action and a projected timeline within 14 working days following the reassessment.
This plan will outline the next steps, ranging from sourcing of funds to the appointment of service providers.
CALM apologized for the distress the situation has caused Gogo Nkosi and reaffirmed its commitment to resolve the matter with urgency.
