Collen Mashawana Foundation hands over new home to disabled Soweto woman

The Collen Mashawana Foundation is set to hand over a newly built home to Soweto resident Hazel Naicker, a partially blind woman living with a disability, after responding to her plea for assistance over unsafe and undignified living conditions.

The handover ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at Bramfischerville Extension 4 in Soweto, where Naicker and her family will receive the keys to a fully completed two-bedroom home.

The foundation said Naicker sought help after enduring dangerous living conditions in a severely dilapidated house. During a site visit, foundation representatives discovered exposed electrical wiring that had reportedly electrocuted her on several occasions, while overcrowding forced her to share a small bedroom with her teenage grandson and granddaughter.

The foundation also noted allegations of abuse against Naicker by her adult son and said it had engaged relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate support and intervention.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the foundation immediately began construction of a new home to provide a safer and more dignified living environment.

The completed house includes two bedrooms and a solar energy system sponsored by Sunbox, providing the family with a reliable and sustainable source of electricity.

Speaking ahead of the handover, the foundation's Projects Head, Thato Mokoena, said “Every person deserves to live in a safe and dignified environment regardless of their circumstances. When we witnessed the conditions in which Ms. Naicker was living, we knew immediate action was required.

“This home stands as a testament to our commitment to restoring dignity and supporting the most vulnerable members of our communities. We are equally grateful to Sunbox for honouring its commitment to our 14th Anniversary initiative by ensuring that this family will have access to a safer, more reliable, and sustainable source of energy."

Mokoena added that the project demonstrates the impact of collaboration in improving the lives of vulnerable people.

“The Collen Mashawana Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Sunbox for partnering in this life-changing initiative and demonstrating the power of collaboration in restoring hope, dignity, and resilience for vulnerable communities,” said Mokoena.

The foundation said the project aligns with its broader mission of improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and families through sustainable interventions that promote dignity, inclusion and social justice.