Tshwane's social housing projects face challenges from rent boycotts
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Media
Rent boycotts and disruptive behaviour from non-paying tenants are posing significant sustainability challenges to private social housing projects in the City of Tshwane.
MMC for Housing and Human Settlements, Aaron Maluleka, has expressed concern that government-initiated housing projects for individuals earning R11,301 to R22,000 monthly are being undermined by tenants' non-payment of rent and disruptive behaviour.
This follows the recent eviction of tenants from Thembelihle Village, Tshwane's pioneering social housing project, amid prolonged disputes over rent and soaring electricity costs.
Thembelihle Village, a low-cost housing project launched by the government in 2018, has been plagued by issues stemming from tenants' non-payment of rent and utilities, ultimately leading to the property being placed under business rescue.
Yeast City Housing NPC, the manager of Thembelihle Village, recently reported that numerous tenants have defaulted on payments since 2019, causing financial strain on utilities, services, and rentals, with outstanding arrears nearing R60 million.
Maluleka stated that the townlands social housing project marks a significant milestone in Tshwane's quest for affordable housing solutions.
'This initiative is not merely about constructing buildings, but it is a transformative effort aimed at creating healthier, sustainable, and inclusive communities,' he said.
He explained that by offering subsidised rental fees, townlands provide a critical lifeline for individuals and families within the income band of between R1,850 and R22,000 per month, enabling them to access housing that is both affordable and conveniently located near the city centre.
He said: 'As urbanisation continues to rise, so does the demand for affordable housing in urban centres. The townlands social housing project responds directly to this need, granting residents the opportunity to live close to their places of work and economic activities, ultimately contributing to the reduction of the housing backlog in our communities.'
The project is a collaborative effort between the Social Housing Regulatory Agency and Housing Company Tshwane to improve the quality of life for Tshwane residents.
Maluleka noted that while the social housing project marks a fresh start for many, it is crucial to recognise the challenges private social housing initiatives are currently facing.
'The reports of rent boycotts and disruptive behaviour from individuals who evade their rental obligations are concerning. Such actions undermine the sustainability of social housing initiatives and place undue pressure on both the government and responsible tenants striving to fulfil their commitments,' he said.
He said his department advocates for a proactive approach in light of these challenges.
'We urge residents who experience a change in their economic circumstances to communicate with our department. Our goal is to redirect assistance to those who need it most, ensuring that no family is left behind during these trying times. The complexity of housing affordability necessitates transparency and cooperation between tenants and housing authorities, as we work together to build a stronger, unified community,' he said.
Maluleka called on the public and stakeholders to support the city's efforts to tackle homelessness and address long-standing housing issues in the municipality.
'The reduction in grant funding for human settlements in metropolitan municipalities diminishes our financial bandwidth, necessitating a sharper focus on essential trading services, including energy, water, sanitation and solid waste management,' he said.
[email protected]
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
41 minutes ago
- TimesLIVE
Used diesel seven-seater SUVs that won't break the bank
It's no secret that new cars are becoming increasingly costly. Take, for example, the MINI Cooper C 3-Door, which starts at just more than R600,000 — a substantial price for a compact car. Buyers with comparable budgets but different priorities will be encouraged to find that the used car market offers several larger and more practical alternatives. For those seeking a diesel seven-seater SUV, the pre-owned segment presents a wide range of choices. Leveraging the latest AutoTrader data, we have identified several practical, diesel-powered family haulers available for less than R600,000, combining space and capability without compromising value. 'In today's market, affordability doesn't mean settling for less. It means making smarter choices,' said AutoTrader CEO George Mienie. 'The used car segment unlocks access to spacious, reliable seven-seaters at prices that challenge the cost of smaller new models, proving that practicality and quality can go hand-in-hand without breaking the bank.' Seven-seaters don't have to be oversized With an average price of R431,240, the Hyundai Grand Creta is well-priced and powered by an efficient yet capable 1.5 l turbodiesel engine. Paired with an automatic transmission, its 80kW and 250Nm of torque provide enough muscle to move it along at a respectable pace, though not with blistering performance. Available in Executive and Elite trims, every Grand Creta is generously equipped with LED headlights, artificial leather upholstery, ISOFIX child seat anchors and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Averaging 37,619km and a registration age of three years, it represents excellent value as a used buy for large families. Luggage space measures 180 l with seven seats in place, expanding to 1,670 l when the rear rows are folded. The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace caters to those who need more interior space. Introduced with the second-generation Tiguan, its extra row of seats adds versatility without compromising styling or appeal. Despite a lower average price of R412,534, its average mileage (111,513km) and registration age (seven years) are notably higher than the Grand Creta, reflecting its more premium positioning. Most examples feature a 2.0 l turbodiesel engine producing up to 130kW and 380Nm of torque, depending on the configuration. The 110mm longer wheelbase enhances passenger comfort and cargo capacity, with up to 1,775 l of space available. With seven seats upright the capacity is 230 l; with five seats in place it is 700 l. The turbodiesel also delivers impressive efficiency, with a claimed average fuel consumption of 6.6 l /100km. Also consider: Land Rover Discovery Sport Versatile bakkie-based seven-seaters The Toyota Fortuner, one of the country's best-selling passenger vehicles, owes its enduring appeal to a desirable blend of reliability, off-road ability, premium image and practicality. Two diesel options are offered: the 2.4 GD-6 and the more popular 2.8 GD-6, the latter delivering 150kW and 500Nm from its four-cylinder turbodiesel. A mild-hybrid version is also available, though power outputs remain unchanged. With an average price of R428,750, the Fortuner is competitively priced. However, it has one of the highest average mileage at 123,588km and an average registration age of seven years. Its arch-rival, the Ford Everest, shares its underpinnings with the Ranger bakkie. A choice of diesel engines — including a powerful biturbo 2.0 l four-cylinder — caters to a wide range of needs, from practical lower- and mid-spec variants to the luxurious Limited trim, which features additions such as power-adjustable front seats and leather upholstery. The Everest's average price of R395,987 is lower than the Fortuner's, despite matching its seven-year registration age and posting a slightly lower average mileage of 115,983km. With the second- and third-row seats folded flat, the Everest offers 2,010 l of cargo space, making it exceptionally practical when maximum loading capacity is required. Also consider: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Isuzu mu-X Road-biased seven-seaters While many think all SUVs are capable of off-roading, that's not the case. Many are considered to be soft-roaders and can tackle nothing more than a gravel road or a muddy car park. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as these models tend to offer supreme on-road refinement and comfort. Take the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, for example. While the new versions of these models will set you back at least R999,900 and R1,249,900, respectively, the used car market has much bigger bargains. The Santa Fe can be purchased for an average price of R354,810, but with an average age of eight years consumers are looking at the 2017 model. Offered with a 2.2 l turbodiesel engine, the third-generation Santa Fe develops 145kW and 436Nm of torque, meshed to a six-speed automatic. With an average claimed fuel economy of 8 l /100km, the Santa Fe is frugal and practical, offering 2,025 l of cargo space with the second and third rows down. Its corporate cousin, the Sorento, has an average used car price of R367,255 with an average mileage of 110,756km and a registration age of eight years. The Sorento uses the same 2.2 l turbodiesel engine as the Santa Fe, and, like its Hyundai-badged counterpart, offers exceptional build quality and a comprehensive list of standard features.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Power struggles: KwaZulu-Natal businessman battles Jaguar Land Rover over electric I-PACE woes
Clive Landers Jaguar I PACE Image: Supplied A KwaZulu-Natal businessman says he intends to sue Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) after experiencing months of problems with his electric Jaguar I-PACE. Clive Lander said he bought the car after falling in love with electric vehicles. 'This would've been my third electric car, and I believe once you change to electric you never go back, but I will never go back to Jaguar.' Lander said he drove the vehicle problem-free for the first 60,000 km, but the first permanent fault appeared on 29 August 2024. 'In our case, our car indicated a faulty battery pack, the charge limit was at 72% and we also didn't get the correct travel distance before the battery would die. After researching I found that these are known to catch fire and worldwide have been bought back by JLR... Except in South Africa.' He added that checking his VIN number showed the vehicle matched others recalled internationally. 'I sent the car to the dealership, we waited almost six months to have it repaired, I will however say that they gave me a loan vehicle because it was still under warranty.' Lander said he requested a warranty extension due to the manufacturing fault but was denied. After driving 25,000 km post-repair, the car again experienced problems. 'This time around we didn't get the full drive out of the car and now it was out of warranty. 'The car has been standing at the dealership for three months and the total cost to get a new battery pack is R550,000. This is why I want them to rather buy the car for the purchase price and am engaging with lawyers to get this on paper. However there is currently a holdup with documentation.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The warning in the Jaguar Image: Supplied 'What I can't understand is that other countries recalled this car with matching VINs, because there were cases where the car had caught fire in a garage. 'JLR say they have a 8 year/160 000km warranty on the battery, however they do not seem to be willing to honour this. 'Why is this not happening in South Africa? I am not also doing this only for myself but for the next person who might be sitting with the same problem and maybe, just maybe, their warning light does not warn them in time like mine did…' Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that there is currently no active recall campaign in South Africa related to Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. 'All service actions in relation to this specific vehicle have been complete for some time,' the company said.
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Homeowner vindicated after CoJ's ‘illegal use' property rates declared unlawful
High Court orders the City of Joburg to reverse all charges levied against a Randburg property since July 2019. The City of Johannesburg's (CoJ's) conduct in levying property rates on a Randburg woman's home, based on the tariff applicable to properties put to an illegal use, has been declared unlawful by the High Court in Johannesburg. Sylvia Maria Lampe has operated a home exercise studio for 42 years and was granted permission by the Randburg Town Council on 19 January 1984 to run her studio from the property. Some 25 years later in 2017, the CoJ, which had succeeded the Randburg Town Council's rights and obligations, determined that Lampe did not have its consent to operate her business on the premises. ALSO READ: Charged R1 083.63 on your City of Johannesburg bill this month? Here's why Court orders reversal of charges Judge Stuart Wilson on Thursday ordered the CoJ to reverse all charges levied on Lampe's municipal account since 1 July 2019, which were based on the claim that the property was being put to illegal use. Judge Wilson also interdicted and restrained the CoJ from continuing to levy property rates against Lampe's municipal account on this illegal property use basis. The CoJ must, within 30 days of the date of Judge Wilson's order, also furnish Lampe with a municipal account recalculated on the basis of his orders. The CoJ was further interdicted and restrained from terminating any services to Lampe's property on the basis of non-payment of municipal charges levied in contravention of Judge Wilson's order. The order granted against the CoJ reflects what Lampe applied for in her application. Judge Wilson criticised the CoJ, stating it had conducted itself throughout the litigation 'in an unresponsive and high-handed manner'. 'It failed seriously to oppose the bulk of Ms Lampe's claim. In the end, it pursued a far-fetched justification of one portion of the penalties it has imposed. 'Had the city engaged reasonably and sensibly with Ms Lampe from the outset, this application would never have been necessary,' he said. ALSO READ: Johannesburg homeowners uproar over soaring property rates Attempts to resolve consent issue Lampe sent two letters to the CoJ after it determined that she did not have its consent to operate her business from the property. She explained that her business was being operated in accordance with the licence she obtained from the Randburg Town Council in 1984 and that, accordingly, she did have the necessary consent to operate her business. Therefore, the property was not being put to an illegal use, and the notice should be withdrawn. Judge Wilson said those letters were ignored, and the CoJ in July 2019 increased the property rates levied against the property. Lampe told the court that from that month her municipal account included an additional R9 400 per month in rates and taxes. This was levied on the basis that the property was being put to an illegal use because the CoJ had not consented to its use as a home exercise studio. Lampe could not afford these charges and did not pay them, but she lodged a new application with the CoJ for consent to run her business from the property. ALSO READ: Bad news for business and property owners as municipal rates spike Electricity disconnected, later reversed by court The CoJ responded to Lampe's refusal to pay the additional rates by terminating her electricity supply and suing for the outstanding amounts. However, the electricity disconnection was reversed by order of Judge Bashier Vally on 5 March 2020. Judge Vally also ordered the parties to 'hold a debatement regarding the penalties charged' to Lampe within 30 days of his order. Judge Wilson said that this debatement never took place, with the CoJ taking the view it would simply proceed with its action to collect the rates it claimed were owed. Lampe's new consent use application from the CoJ was granted in October 2020. Judge Wilson said this seems to have triggered the withdrawal of the CoJ's action to collect the outstanding rates. But, Judge Wilson said the CoJ continued to levy enhanced rates and taxes against Lampe's property on the basis that it was being put to an illegal use, despite the CoJ itself having consented to the use of the property in October 2020. ALSO READ: City of Joburg, please get your house in order! Ongoing attempts to disconnect Lampe, in the meantime, had to fend off further attempts to disconnect her water and electricity supplies. Judge Wilson said the CoJ did not seriously oppose the relief sought by Lampe in respect of the illegal use charges levied on or after 20 October 2020, the date on which it gave its consent for the use of the property to run her business. He said the CoJ in its answering affidavit says that it is 'attending to reverse the penalty costs charged on and after 20 October 2020,' but highlighted that the answering affidavit was deposed on 6 September 2021. 'I have nothing before me that indicates that Ms Lampe's account has since actually been corrected to the extent the city concedes it should be. 'However, the city can suffer no prejudice from an order that it implements such a correction. If it has already done so, then so much the better,' he said. Judge Wilson said the only real dispute before him was whether Lampe is entitled to the reversal of the penalty charges levied between 1 July 2019 and 20 October 2020. ALSO READ: Huge rates shock could force Joburg schools to close down A 'far-fetched' proposition He said the CoJ maintained the property was being put to an illegal use during that time because its consent was not obtained until 20 October 2020, and that the penalty charges it levied against the property during that time were perfectly lawful. Judge Wilson disagreed, stressing the CoJ accepts that the consent the Randburg Town Council gave for the use of the property in 1984 binds it as the Randburg Town Council's successor in law. He said the CoJ also accepts that the Randburg Town Council granted Lampe a licence to use the property for the purposes to which she put it, and also that the licence was renewed annually for 10 years before being renewed indefinitely. Judge Wilson said the CoJ stakes its opposition to Lampe's application solely on the contention that she never applied for consent in terms of the Randburg Town Planning Scheme of 1976. The CoJ's point, as far as he understands it, seems to be that Lampe might have had a business licence from the Randburg Town Council but that did not mean the Randburg Town Council had consented to the use of the property in terms of its Town Planning Scheme of 1976. 'I find that proposition far-fetched. 'It beggars belief that the Randburg Town Council would have issued a business licence that authorised the illegal operation of Ms Lampe's business from the property nominated in the licence,' he said. Costs were awarded against the CoJ. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
