The uThukela Dostrict Municipality and KwaZulu Natal Correctional Service handed over keys to three families who will be moving into their brand-new homes that were built by convicted criminals. The families were left homeless in December 2023 during the floods, where more than 30 people died in Ladysmith. 

BUILDING HOMES

The Department of Correctional Serices spokesperson in KZN, Thulani Mdluli, said three destitute families were identified, and local and district municipal officials joined hands with the Al-Imdaad Foundation and other government stakeholders to contribute to the building of the houses. "They requested labour services from convicts to build the three homes. Artisan parolees, probationers, and offenders were identified and allocated for the task from the Glencoe Management Area, where they began building the homes in April. Part of the Correctional Services Act makes provisions that offenders should be given a second chance to do community service to mend relations with victims of crime and to avoid recidivism," Mdluli said. The project was completed last month.

FEMALE-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS

The handover comes just as women's month is coming to an end with all the identified families being female headed. "The houses were ceremoniously presented to the families by KZN Regional Commissioner, Mnikelwa Nxele and uThukela District Mayor Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala on Thursday. We are grateful to Al-Imdaad, who provided the building materials and furniture while various government departments pitched in with electrical, water, and sanitation connections," added Mdhluli.