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In KwaNikhwe Location, Ward 17, Bizana, Mr. Mqondisi Sophazi, affectionately known as Mountain, has lived alone for more than 23 years in a collapsing mud house built many years ago. The structure appears on the verge of falling, yet life in the community goes on — neighbours walking past daily as if nothing is wrong.
One would expect the spirit of Ubuntu to have moved someone, especially those in leadership, to lend a helping hand. Mr. Mazingisa, Mountain’s concerned neighbour, says it pains him to see the conditions his neighbour lives under.
“As a neighbour, I wish for him to get out of this situation and for someone to help build him a proper house,” said Mr. Mazingisa, adding that it’s heartbreaking to watch an elderly man endure such hardship while leaders look away.
This is one of the oldest houses in KwaNikhwe under Ntshintshane A. Mountain explains that his family migrated (Batshipha) to Johannesburg years ago, and others now live in Durban and across KwaZulu-Natal.
“I’ve lived alone for over 23 years — it’s a sad situation I find myself in,” said Mountain. “I would be happy with any help right now.”
He added that he could not even attend the funerals of relatives who passed away in Gauteng, as he had no means to travel.
After Pondoland Times shared a video interview with Mountain on social media, the post drew widespread attention, with comments from community members expressing sympathy and calling on Good Samaritans to intervene.
The publication now joins this call, urging community members, councillors, and local authorities — including the Alfred Nzo District and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality — to engage their housing and disaster management units to assist Mountain before tragedy strikes.
When asked why he chose to return home instead of staying in the city like his relatives, Mountain said, “I really love home. When I would make sure I came back every three to six weeks when I used to be emplyed.”
Community members are now questioning why local ward councillors have not stepped up to assist in such visible cases of need.
