Angelina Sonjica, 61, who relies on crutches to walk, says she has been forced to move from one home to another since her house collapsed 15 years ago. Her property, located in Ward 41, Mariasdal, is among the rural and farming trust settlements in the Mangaung Metro.

An emotional Sonjica describes her life as “a living hell”, saying she is once again facing uncertainty because the owner of the house where she is currently staying has asked for the property to be returned.

After reaching out to OFM News, a video of Sonjica explaining her desperate situation was shared.

“I am pleading for help. I requested a house long time ago (from government), I stayed at people’s houses; it’s been three houses and I am currently on the fourth one. I have 15 years living like this without my place. I am crippled woman, please assist me with a house, so that I can have my own place.”

Sonjica says her ward councillor has not assisted her, despite registering for a government house years ago. She has sought help from the department of human settlements, Mangaung Metro and other offices without success.

She even requested authorities to build her a shack, as the foundation of her collapsed home has remained untouched for years.

‘I am crippled and I don’t know where else to go’

“Where I currently reside, the owner wants his home as he borrowed (it to) me. I don’t have anywhere to go, my house collapsed on me long time ago. I am crippled and I don’t know where else to go. I don’t have my own home, I stay at someone else’s place. I am pleading to have my own place.”

The Free State department of human settlements has confirmed Sonjica’s house at 58/E Mariasdal collapsed several years ago. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) spokesperson Zimasa Mbewu said a contractor appointed by the department abandoned the project after completing only the foundation.

According to Mbewu, Sonjica’s home has now been included in the scope of work allocated to a new contractor who will undertake repairs and reconstruction. Construction is expected to begin once the necessary approvals have been finalised.

Mbewu added Sonjica is currently staying at a house in Mariasdal, but the property is affected by a high water table and hydraulic conductivity, resulting in waterlogged conditions.

Sonjica’s plight highlights the ongoing housing crisis in the struggling Mangaung Metro, where an estimated 77,000 residents remain in need of adequate housing. The backlog includes about 5,000 people in Bloemfontein, 13,000 in Botshabelo and 12,000 in Thaba Nchu, with the remaining applicants living in surrounding areas such as Dewetsdorp.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi

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