By Montsho Matlala
Go Mantjolo, Mpumalanga – For most of her 74 years, Gogo Martha Nkambule lived quietly in a house roofed with asbestos sheets in Mantjolo village, Manzana – now part of the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.
Unaware of the health dangers overhead, Gogo Nkambule and her family lived under the toxic material until government and municipal officials informed them of its risks. Asbestos has long been linked to serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
On Wednesday, 6 August, Gogo Nkambule was among a jubilant crowd celebrating the symbolic handover of refurbished homes. The new roofs – made from safer Inverted Box Rib (IBR) corrugated sheets – and new furniture brought smiles and relief to many.
“All I can say is that I’m happy for the new roof over our heads,” said Nkambule with a smile, rubbing shoulders with Mpumalanga MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Speedy Mashilo. “I had no idea the roof was dangerous until government told us. I’m also very thankful for the furniture they gave us.”
MEC Mashilo praised the initiative, saying it was guided by Section 24 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being.
“Although asbestos was banned in South Africa in 2008, some homes still have it if the roofs remain in good condition,” Mashilo explained.
“However, once deteriorated, these roofs release fibres that can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other lung diseases. That’s why removal is essential.”
Also present at the event were Inkosi Misizwe Sandile Mnisi of the Mantjolo Traditional Council, Gert Sibande District Mayor Walter Mngomezulu, and local mayor Mbuso Magubane.
The Mpumalanga CoGHSTA has pledged to continue replacing asbestos roofs across the province, using a phased approach over multiple financial years. An estimated 20,056 homes still need refurbishment.
