14 July 2025 – Demulani Village, Bushbuckridge — In a powerful display of compassion and collaboration, WesBank and the Collen Mashawana Foundation have delivered more than just shelter—they’ve reignited a family’s future.
Surprise Khoza, a 49-year-old father of two who has spent years wheelchair-bound and separated from his family due to unemployment and inadequate housing, was recently handed the keys to a brand-new, fully furnished four-room home. This milestone, celebrated in a heartwarming ceremony filled with joy and gratitude, marks a life-changing turning point for Mr. Khoza and his loved ones.
For years, Khoza lived in an informal settlement with his 88-year-old grandfather, uncle, and aunt, all relying on his uncle’s mineworker income to make ends meet. The absence of suitable living conditions made it impossible for him to house his children and their mother, resulting in a painful separation. But the newly built home now offers much more than physical shelter—it provides the foundation for healing, reunification, and a fresh start.
“This home is not just about bricks and mortar,” said Mr. Khoza, moved to tears during the handover. “It’s about being together again. It’s about hope.”
This home is the third of twelve being constructed through a generous WesBank donation towards the Collen Mashawana Foundation’s housing programme. The initiative focuses on empowering South Africa’s most vulnerable, including people with disabilities, the elderly, child-headed households, and survivors of gender-based violence. Beneficiaries are identified through a community-driven nomination process, ensuring that the aid reaches those in greatest need.
Austin Mashawana, Chief Operating Officer of the Collen Mashawana Foundation, emphasised the heart behind the mission:
“The foundation is always moved by these acts of generosity it is involved in and grateful to partners like WesBank who understand our vision. Such partnerships must always put the people first and leave long-lasting smiles. The building and handing over of houses to deserving beneficiaries is providing security and comfort to those for whom these were an unattainable wish and now have become a reality.”
Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, echoed this sentiment:
“WesBank is deeply committed to enabling South Africans from all backgrounds to realise their dreams and ambitions. A home is a fundamental building block for stability and prosperity. For the Khoza family, this comes at a perfect time, allowing them to reunite and share the warmth of a new family home as the winter chill sets in. We are proud to be part of this initiative that is making a tangible and lasting impact on the ground by restoring dignity and hope to those in need.”
The handing over of the Khoza home represents far more than a housing solution. It is a symbol of community, corporate responsibility, and the transformative power of human connection. As the family steps across the threshold of their new home, they also step into a new chapter—one defined by unity, dignity, and the promise of better days ahead.
This initiative serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that meaningful change happens when purpose-driven partnerships invest in people first.
