Saldanha Bay resident Chantal Williams longed to have a place she could call home for her family.
Her dream was made a reality when her family was among 10 previously destitute women and child-headed households to be handed homes by Human Settlements Deputy Minister Zou Kota-Fredericks, African Equity Empowerment Investments group chief executive Khalid Abdulla, Premier Fishing South Africa chief executive Samir Saban and human resource manager for Premier Fishing South Africa Peter Phango.
Williams, an orphan and the youngest beneficiary in the project, said: “Today I am standing in front of my miracle. It was very hard for us to make a living here, but this shows that dreams do come
true.”
She said this year’s winter would not be same because they, like other people would be staying in decent-quality
houses.
The land on which the houses were built was donated by Premier Fishing and serviced by the municipality. The project created 80 jobs for the community.
Olga Platjies, a past employee of Premier Fishing and recipient of a new house, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who made this possible, but especially Premier Fishing - no longer will we have water leaks and drainage problems. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy and we say thanks once again for making our dream a reality.”
Premier Fishing also undertook a successful share payout valued at several million rand, to employees and members of the community through a consultative process with various stakeholders, including the Food and Allied Workers Union.
During the handover, Kota-Fredericks lauded Premier Fishing and Lafarge Mining South Africa for ensuring families had a roof over their heads.
“This gesture of goodwill from Premier Fishing, Lafarge and their partners indicates that the call by government for partnerships between the public and private sector in the provision of houses is now bearing fruit.”
Khalid said they were proud to give back to the community who had, over the years, supported Premier Fishing and the fishing sector.
Lafarge general manager for Aggregates, Noriko Solomon, said: “While the challenge to house South Africa’s people is a daunting one, the stakeholders in Saldanha Bay can be proud of the positive milestone reached."