Latest news with #RDPs
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Beware RDP scam, metro warns
The Tshwane metro is urging residents to be wary of a recent circulating RDP scam that targets people who have applied for the subsidised housing between 1996–2022. MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleke said applicants must use the National Housing Needs Register (NHNR) to register for RDPs as it is the only body with the authority to do so. 'In the false messages being circulated, applicants are being misled to believe that approval of their RDP housing opportunities will be made on the condition that they first settle their outstanding utility bills before being permitted access to the house. This is manifestly irrational, as RDP housing opportunities are new houses for which no municipal debt has been accrued,' Maluleke said. To qualify for an RDP, the applicant must: – Be a South African citizen or have permanent residency, – Be 18 years and older, and – Be married, widowed, divorced or single with dependents. The MMC urged victims of the scam to report it to law enforcement agencies. He added that the metro is committed to unblocking the historical housing backlog and expanding housing and human settlements opportunities to more residents. Maluleke asserted that this is a critical move going forward, given the prominence of the Capital City. 'Migration to urban centres is a phenomenon that many cities across the world have to grapple with. Tshwane is no different. Tshwane, being a key player in the South African economy, has the consequence of attracting people from across the country looking for better opportunities. This often leads to people erecting unsafe dwellings on the peripheries of the city, where there is often no bulk infrastructure to service their needs,' Maluleka said. He said to address residents' housing needs, the metro needs: – 43 000 student beds – 93 092 first-time home finance units – 110 498 social housing units – 83 926 rental units Housing Company Tshwane (HCT) has been allocated a R40.2-million subsidy as a result, as well as 1 200 rental units to improve access to more housing opportunities closer to places of economic activity. The metro's flagship project, the Marabastad Townlands, is now fully tenanted with 300 families since its opening. Another R400- million has been budgeted to address the more than 500 informal settlements the city houses, according to Maluleke. 'Tshwane now has 502 informal settlements for which we have set aside R400-million for the provision of dignified rudimentary services. To assist in providing dignified living spaces for these residents, we have allocated a further R98-million for the formalisation of informal settlements,' he said. 'This multiparty coalition government has demonstrated in its budget envelope that it is committed to addressing the challenges of our human settlements backlog, and we are working to progressively realise greater access to housing opportunities as demanded by the Constitution,' Maluleka concluded. ALSO READ: Illegal dumping along Waterberg Road sparks community concern Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Johannesburg officials ask RDP beneficiaries not to sell their new assets
Johannesburg officials were in Soweto this weekend, where many RDP housing recipients were unable to receive their title deeds. Housing officials in Johannesburg have advised Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing beneficiaries not to sell their homes. Beneficiaries in Braamfischerville received the title deeds to their new homes, but over 200 were held back by the city due to verification discrepancies. Officials were meant to hand over at least 260 title deeds this weekend, but only 25 could be properly issued due to improper sales. RDP houses sold It is illegal to sell RDP title deeds, and those currently being held by the city have been wrongfully purchased, creating a mismatch on the city's records. MMC for Human Settlements Mlungisi Mabaso and Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero were in the Soweto suburb this weekend to greet new housing recipients. Mabaso warned that selling RDP homes hampered the city's housing objectives and created administrative problems for officials. The government provides a house, and then it is sold to another person. This buyer subsequently approaches our office seeking a title deed, only to be informed that they are not recognised beneficiaries, leading to the refusal of title deed issuance,' Mabaso said. 'RDPs are not for sale. When you sell your RDP, you then return to informal settlements demanding a house, which cannot be realised as our system permits only a single benefit,' he added. Community members said some RDP homes were being sold to foreign nationals, leading Mabaso to stress that homes were intended to be a building block of economic stability. 'Invest in your properties' Mayor Morero reiterated that RDP homes served as assets that could be used to secure the future of the next generation. 'You can also have a will so that when you are no longer there, your children do not start fighting over your property,' he said. Braamfischerville has 11 extensions that are currently subject to RDP developments, with a further three in the process of township formalisation. Morero urged recipients to closely guard their title deeds and build their homes into beacons of community progress. 'When you all invest in your properties, it improves their value. On the day you want to leave Gauteng, you will leave your children with a beautiful home that they are proud of,' the mayor concluded. NOW READ: Joburg plans to ease housing crisis with mega projects and acquisitions
