North West MEC for Human Settlements, Desbo Mohono, said that her department would use this year’s Women’s Month to expand access to quality housing for vulnerable women, especially those living in rural areas.

Mohono said the plight of the majority of these women was neglected and many of them are yet to enjoy the fruits of democracy.

"There’s a need to improve the living conditions of these women so that they too can celebrate the achievements of sixteen years of freedom and also be proud of the heroines of 1956,” said Mohono.

Speaking during the sod turning ceremony of Angelina Leshomo’s house in Tswelelang, Wolmaranstad as part of the Provincial Women’s Day Celebration, Mohono said her department would do this to commemorate and honour thousands of women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 in protest against the extension of passes to the women by the Apartheid regime.

The 73-year-old Leshomo said she could not wait to get into her new house as she had been waiting for many years.

“I've been living in a shack for the past 24 years, but now I’m happy that finally I will have my own house and I will sleep peacefully even during rainy days.” said Leshomo.

Leshomo’s house is part of the 1 956 houses which would be constructed across the country to commemorate the 1956 women’s march.

Issued by the Department of Human Settlements (North West)

Enquiries: Cornelius Tanana Monama

Spokesperson: Department of Human Settlements

082 578 4063
082 578 4063
018-391 0420/21