As an act of active citizenry, Assupol is proud to have partnered with the Department of Correctional Services, to refurbish the home of two pensioners that was damaged in a fire caused by faulty wiring on an electrical meter box. The refurbishments were carried out by offenders from Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre who worked under strict security supervision to rectify the damage incurred in June 2021.
The Ramasotho family home in Atteridgeville, is the primary residence of Lydia Ramosotho (70), her son Gabriel (35) and her sister Albertina Banyatsang (65). Following the fire that engulfed parts of the home, Assupol was approached by Mpogatse Thalitha Mogweng, a community leader in Atteridgeville, who requested assistance from the insurer to make the family’s home habitable again.
Speaking at the unveiling of the newly refurbished house, Assupol Life CEO, Bridget Mokwena-Halala, said that the new home stood as a symbol of hope in a stressful year of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. “Many South Africans continue to live under fragile financial circumstances. Losing ones’ home in this environment could push any family into despair, so when we received the request to help the Ramasotho family rebuild their home, the following day we were on site to establish the extent of damage and pledged to restore their home. We are happy to have served the family in this way and I am particularly thankful for Minister Ronald Lamola’s willingness to allow the Department of Correctional Services’ rehabilitation programme to promote a just and safe community, by having catered to the basic needs of this family.”
Assupol restored electricity supply to the house and provided the building materials, paint and furniture used to refurbish the home. The Department of Correctional Services ensured that offenders who were skilled in home renovations, were part of the team that removed burnt debris, painted the house, and installed new windows to safety standards.
Acting National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, said that the project was great example of the public and private sector working together for the good of the community. “I echo the sentiments of Minister Lamola who has said before that we need a social compact between private sector and government to build a just society. Rebuilding the Ramasotho’s home was active citizenship in action. By bringing together people to work towards a common good, we are a step closer towards social cohesion, which is sorely needed in our country.”
Assupol believes it is honour-bound to contribute towards addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by communities. “This project is a reminder that we can never ignore the people around us who may be suffering, especially not the elderly”, concluded Mokwena-Halala.
