EC government commits to building a house for Lusanda Dumke

“I don’t even know what to say. But I have to say thank you very much,” these are the words of the Springbok Women’s player, Lusanda Dumke, after receiving the life-changing news on Tuesday this week. Dumke shed tears of joy, this player became the talk of the town a month ago after she wanted to trade the car prize she won because she needed a house.

Many people were shocked by her decision, but they understood after learning that she lived in a shack in Mdantsane. A well-known businessman who is also the chairman of Chippa United, Siviwe Mpengesi, donated R300 000 so that Dumke could find a place to stay.

In addition, the Department of Human Settlements gave her an individual subsidy valued at R165 000. In total, the money committed towards the player was a sum of R465 000.

All this happened after a meeting between the management of Buffalo City Metro, the Department of Human Settlements and Mpengesi.

“After being told about Lusanda’s situation, we realised that we must do something quickly,” said Princess Faku, the BCM Deputy Executive Mayor Councillor. She continued, “We talked to the provincial government and the Department of Human Settlements.”

“Lusanda was told to keep her car and the government would try to build her a home. We also reported to Chippa Mpengesi who donated R300 000 to help with Lusanda’s needs. We are proud of Lusanda because her talent is elevating our province,” said Faku.

The Eastern Cape MEC for Human Settlements, Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi, also said that her department will give Lusanda, who lives with her grandmother in a shack in Mdantsane, a subsidy of R165 000 to help with the construction of the house.

Dumke is a rugby player who is in New Zealand where she will represent South Africa who will face France in the World Cup match on Saturday.