But this month, she will officially move into her two-bedroom home in Fleurhof Estate, which boasts modern amenities.

Fleurhof Estate is a mixed-income housing development. It is nestled along Main Reef Road, 13km west of the Johannesburg Central Business District.

The estate forms part of government's drive to promote urban regeneration. Upon completion, the development project will yield just over 9 000 housing units.

According to the City of Joburg, one-third of the development will be RDP units, while the final third will comprise bonded houses. It will also house mixed-use business centre sites, industrial sites, crèches, places of worship, community facilities, schools and public open spaces.

Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu kick started the campaign to build homes for military veterans today, which also coincided with International Habitat Day.

International Habitat Day is designated by the United Nations every year on the first Monday of the month of October to reflect on the state of towns and cities and on the basic right to adequate shelter.

The campaign also coincided with the annual Media Build, which is being observed under the theme ‘Restoring the dignity of military veterans through human settlements’.

Media Build saw Minister Sisulu, media personalities, stakeholders and sponsors from the private sector rolling up their sleeves to build and paint the three houses for the military veterans.

Minister Sisulu said her department has set a target of building the 5 000 in all nine provinces in three years.

“We want to build them decent houses to restore their dignity and to honour their contribution to our freedom. This is a national priority,” said Minister Sisulu.

She urged the people of Fleurhof and other communities, where the military veterans will be based, to take care of them.

“These people gave up their lives to fight for freedom so it is important that we treasure them and treat them with dignity.”