The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements today reaffirmed its commitment to providing dignified housing while issuing an impassioned call for beneficiary responsibility, following the tabling of its Annual Report and an engagement session with the Gauteng Legislature’s Human Settlements Portfolio Committee and community leaders.
The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Human Settlements, Ms. Tasneem Motara, used the opportunity to clarify the immense fiscal challenges facing the province and to make a stern plea to the public regarding the misuse of government-subsidised homes.
The Reality: A Structural Economic Challenge MEC Motara stressed that the housing backlog is not merely a service delivery issue but a deepseated structural challenge rooted in the ailing economy and rapid urbanisation.
“We must be unequivocally clear: there is simply not enough money in the budget to build a house for every person who desires one. The solution to this backlog will not be solved overnight,” said MEC Motara. “
“As a government, our long-term vision is to see more of our people employed and economically empowered, enabling them to build homes and wealth for themselves.”
This economic reality underscores the Department’s strict prioritisation: while the National Housing Needs Register (NHNR) reflects over 1.4 million names, the actual verified backlog (applicants approved through the Housing Subsidy System/HSS) is significantly smaller.
Our limited resources must therefore be channelled only to those most in need.
Prioritisation and Fairness The MEC re-emphasised that the allocation process is guided by fairness and vulnerability.
The Department continues to prioritise:
• 1996–1999 waiting list applicants
• Child-Headed Households
• People Living with Disabilities
• The Elderly and Military Veterans
“ This approach ensures that subsidised housing goes to families and individuals who genuinely lack the means to secure their own shelter.”
A Plea for Beneficiary Responsibility MEC Motara made a plea to current recipients of fully subsidised RDP/BNG houses:
These homes are granted to uplift the vulnerable and must not be treated as a tradable commodity.
“We appeal to all beneficiaries not to sell or rent their houses, and especially not to rent them to undocumented foreigners,” the MEC urged.
“These actions are illegal, undermine the state’s efforts to eradicate homelessness, and directly deprive a genuinely needy South African family of a house.”
Beneficiaries who sell or illegally rent their RDP homes, particularly within the eight-year restriction period, face dire consequences, including criminal prosecution and forfeiture of the property to the state.
The government reserves the right of first refusal on any resale, reinforcing that these assets are social tools, not speculative ventures.
Building the Future Together The Department has committed to reviewing the Rapid Land Release Programme to ensure a more streamlined offering.
The focus remains on Mega Projects, Hostel Redevelopment, and the Upgrading of Informal Settlements, promoting a shift from being perpetual housing applicants to empowered landowners.
The Department appeals to all community leaders and residents to partner with us by reporting any instances of illegal sales or renting of government-subsidised houses.
Only through shared responsibility and accountability can we ensure that dignity is restored to every deserving Gauteng family.
SUPPLIED.
