Mandela Day 2016 has had a life changing effect on a local 105 year-old Olifantshoek woman for 2017, as she now owns her own newly built home.

Enduring hardships and challenges this old lady never had a house of which she could call her own. This however has come to change as of Friday 17 February 2017; Trooi Koopman was welcomed into her own home by the Premier of Northern Cape Ms. Sylvia Lucas. Mandela Day 2016 marks the day the Premier had a very intimate conversation with the then 104-year-old, raising her concerns and poverty stricken endeavour and the Premier took to heart this old ladies plea for a place to have as her own, working endlessly towards this goal the Premier made this promise a reality.

The Premier stated that she had a number of contributors working with her to make this dream come true, as BOSASA had played a vital, active role whom Mr Dlamini made possible by fully furnishing the house and as well as together Office of the Premier and Department of Social Development providing groceries and various other items for the household. A local contractor from Olifantshoek did the actual construction of the house.

This old lady now had property of her own, a symbol of dignity and the ability to “bake bread within her own place” said Premier Lucas

This proved once again that the Premier was caring for the people and how she took to heart the concerns of the community in the province. The old lady responded with great content and said she was for evermore grateful for what the Premier has done for her. Due to old age the old lady was escorted by community members to the door to cut the ribbon with Premier by her side and what a true moment of fulfilled purpose it was. The Northern Cape Government under the stewardship of Premier Lucas is truly a caring government.

The Premier expressed some emotional gripping words too, stating that it’s not every day one gets to change another person’s life, but when you do try and do it at your utmost best to better another human-beings life.