Phumlani Vokovi

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BEFORE
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AFTER
Name: Phumlani
Surname: Vokovi
Location: Khayelitsha, Cape Town, Western Cape
Entry Date: July 1, 2024
Category: DIY
Project: Outdoor Areas

About the Project:

I am Phumlani Vokovi, 34 years old, from Cape Town, Khayelitsha. A few months ago, I decided to renovate my late father’s house. As an unemployed person, I managed to save R350 from the Social Relief Grant provided by the Government of South Africa from April 2023 to April 2024. With this money, I hired…

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I am Phumlani Vokovi, 34 years old, from Cape Town, Khayelitsha. A few months ago, I decided to renovate my late father’s house. As an unemployed person, I managed to save R350 from the Social Relief Grant provided by the Government of South Africa from April 2023 to April 2024. With this money, I hired three bricklayers, a person to install the door, and their assistant to prepare the house for renovation. The house had broken windows, damaged walls, and a missing door frame, making it unsafe and unpleasant to live in. Despite the challenges, I was determined to fix my home.

Over the course of a year, I used the saved money to purchase materials for the renovation. I bought four bags of cement at R120 each, a second-hand window for R750, a second-hand door for R900, and a door lock for R450. Additionally, I bought sandbags, PVA water paint, and Vanish to complete the renovation. With the help of a tenant, Lo, and the person responsible for installing the door, we completed the renovation project with zero budget.

Even though the work is ongoing, I am proud of what we have achieved so far. As an unemployed individual, it is fulfilling to see the improvements in my home. I believe that with determination and hard work, it is possible to transform a home, despite limited resources.

Budget Breakdown:

Materials:
Window
-750
Cement
480
Door
900
2 - 20L
480
Door locker
140
Vanish
90
Rollers
70
Tint
50
1460

Contractors:

Brick layer
1050
1050
Grand Total
R2510