Ouma needs a home

Family of a 95-year-old woman standing at death’s door has begged authorities to assist them with a decent house for her.

Ouma Mieta Kriel, her daughter and two grandkids, aged six and 16, all live in a tiny Wendy house in a backyard in Scottsdene, Kraaifontein.

Annie Bresensie, 58, says her mother applied for social housing in the Western Cape in 2006, but 11 years later, she is still waiting.

“When she gets sick, the ambulance can’t even reach our house,” says Annie.

“Then we have to carry her down this narrow passage to the ambulance.

“I gave up my job as a char in 2009 to look after her. I feed her every four hours through a pipe.

“We have spoken to social workers, we are struggling to get my mother into a frail care home because she needs

constant care.”

Annie says they do get a social grant, but it’s been a struggle.

“I sleep on the floor. My mother has arthritis, she had a hip replacement and a stroke and she also has high blood [pressure].

“We are hoping and praying that someone can assist us,” she adds.

But Bruce Oom, spokesman for the provincial Department of Human Settlements, says ouma Mieta already owns a house.

“A national housing subsidy database search has revealed that Ms Kriel has received a housing subsidy in the Eastern Cape. Furthermore, a deeds search has confirmed that Ms Kriel is the registered owner of Erf [number] Patensie in the Eastern Cape.

“While the department empathises with the plight of Ms Kriel and also has a strategic focus in prioritising the elderly, unfortunately if someone has previously benefited from a housing subsidy and/or already owns property in South Africa, then they are not eligible for another housing subsidy.”