Gauteng MEC for human settlements Tasneem Motara has expressed concerns about beneficiaries of RDP houses who rent out, lease or attempt to sell government-subsidised homes. According to Motara, such cases undermine efforts to address Gauteng's housing crisis, particularly the growth of informal settlements. The MEC emphasized that Section 10 of the Housing Act clearly outlines the terms and conditions for RDP house beneficiaries.
Motara's comments come after the department investigated a case in Merafong where beneficiaries allegedly left their allocated houses and returned to informal settlements while their government-subsidised homes were being rented out. The department worked with the municipality and other government agencies to intervene, ultimately reclaiming one of the houses after the beneficiary failed to return and occupy it. This case highlights the challenges faced by the department in ensuring that RDP houses are used for their intended purpose.
Motara was speaking during a site visit to the Riverside View and Clayville mega-projects, which are expected to deliver 22,523 mixed-use housing opportunities. The projects include a range of housing options, from RDP houses to social housing and subsidised homes for first-time buyers. At Riverside View, the department's project manager, Dlozi Mnisi, provided an overview of the development, which will provide about 10,000 housing units across several extensions.
The Riverside View development includes 4,756 RDP units, 2,948 First Home Finance (FHF) units, and about 1,108 social housing units. The FHF programme assists qualifying first-time buyers earning between R3,501 and R22,000 a month by providing a government subsidy that can be used to supplement their home loan. The development is being implemented through a partnership between the City of Johannesburg, the Gauteng department of human settlements, and developer Valumax Northern Farms.
The Clayville mega-project, situated in a different area, will create 12,350 housing opportunities across approximately five phases. Site developer Llewelyn Jacobs reported that 8,407 units had already been developed and handed over, putting the project at more than 80% completion. The project still requires the completion of 3,944 units, including 600 RDP units and 2,891 freestanding FHF units.
Motara emphasized that mega-projects like Riverside View and Clayville are designed to create sustainable communities, not just provide houses. The developments will include social and economic amenities such as schools, parks, and space for other community facilities. The MEC also highlighted the importance of security measures at housing developments to prevent building hijackings and other criminal activity.
Motara encouraged communities to play a role in rejecting criminal activity and reporting cases of property hijacking. The provincial government aims to provide not only housing but also the infrastructure and amenities needed to create integrated communities where people can live, work, and access essential services. RDP housing is intended to be a stepping stone for beneficiaries, rather than the end of their housing journey.
Key points
- Beneficiaries who rent out or sell RDP houses will face legal consequences.
- The Riverside View and Clayville mega-projects will deliver 22,523 mixed-use housing opportunities.
- The provincial government is implementing security measures to prevent building hijackings and other criminal activity at housing developments.
