Agreement Mkhari 
For years, little Koketso Mashubuku, her grandmother Sophie, and her uncle lived in an informal settlement in Mamelodi, Pretoria. Without water, electricity, or a proper roof over their heads, their days were marked by the harsh realities of a life in a shack that leaked in the rain and filled with dust in the summer. The family endured these difficult conditions, but none of them could have imagined the toll it would take on Koketso’s health.
Koketso, now 14, suffers from chronic bronchitis and Cor pulmonale, a serious heart condition caused by her lung disease. Without the aid of a ventilator, she wouldn’t survive. At the tender age of two, she was diagnosed after being hospitalized for four months. Doctors explained that her lung problems were exacerbated by constant exposure to paraffin smoke and dust, which worsened due to the shack’s poor ventilation.
Her mother, Tshepiso Mashubuku, 34, was devastated by the news. “When Koketso was diagnosed, I felt like I had lost my daughter before I even had a chance to really see her grow,” Tshepiso recalls with tears in her eyes. For years, Tshepiso and her family lived in constant worry, struggling to care for Koketso while coping with the unhealthy environment around them. The oxygen machine that Koketso relied on to breathe required electricity, but they had none. Tshepiso also had to quit her job to become her daughter’s full-time caregiver, a sacrifice that weighed heavily on her.
But in 2014, the family was promised a new home—a place where Koketso’s condition could be better managed, free from the harmful dust and smoke that had previously worsened her health. After years of living in Mamelodi’s informal settlement, the family was able to relocate to a more sustainable environment in Moloto Village, Mpumalanga. The new house, provided by the National Housing Building Registration Council (NHBRC) in partnership with Habitat Modular Construction, is a lifeline for the Mashubuku family.
“This new house is a huge relief for us,” Tshepiso says, her voice filled with emotion. “The shack was unbearable—especially during the rainy season when water leaked through the roof. The dust would make Koketso’s breathing worse. Now, we have a safe, healthy place for her.”
The new home is a four-bedroom house, built with the help of Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs), part of a national effort by the NHBRC to provide better living conditions for vulnerable families, including child-headed households, people with disabilities, and others in need. The house is not only safe and modern but also provides a more breathable environment for Koketso. Her health has improved since the move, and her mother can now breathe a little easier, knowing that her daughter is in a better living situation.
Though the family is no longer living in dire conditions, there are still challenges. Tshepiso explains that Koketso’s school fees, although manageable, are still a concern, especially with the added costs of her special diet and medical care. “It’s expensive to care for her, but I am just grateful that she now has a better chance at life,” Tshepiso says.
While the Mashubuku family has found a sense of relief, the journey has not been easy. Tshepiso reflects on the difficult years she spent watching her daughter struggle. “There were times when I wondered how we were going to make it through, but with this new house, I feel hope for the future. This is Koketso’s chance for a better life, and that’s all I ever wanted for her.”
The NHBRC’s commitment to building quality, sustainable homes has made a significant difference in the lives of many families, like Koketso’s. In addition to providing homes, the NHBRC is also working to educate communities about the benefits of IBTs, ensuring that the houses are not just shelters, but durable, environmentally sustainable homes that contribute to a healthier way of life.
For the Mashubuku family, the new house is more than just a place to live—it’s a fresh start. Tshepiso now works at a local nursery as a florist, allowing her to earn a living while staying close to Koketso. “I can now support my daughter and know that we’re in a better place,” she says, smiling through her tears.
The Mashubuku family’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of safe, healthy housing. It shows how even a small change in environment can have a profound impact on a family’s well-being. Koketso’s new home is not just a roof over her head—it’s the key to her survival and future.
Thanks to the NHBRC, the Mashubuku family’s dream of a better life has become a reality.
