GAUTENG’S housing crisis has sparked a three-way political fight, with the ANC, the MK party and the DA trading blows over who is to blame for the backlog.
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Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Tasneem Motara has warned residents, who build illegal informal settlements, that they will no longer be prioritised as housing beneficiaries.
Speaking at the sod-turning of the Mabopane Extension 1 housing development, which will yield 1 576 units by June 2027, Motara said the department would prioritise applicants who registered between 1996 and 1999.
Informal settlements take us back and we can’t keep prioritising those who act illegally. Yes, we must provide them with services, but it can’t be at the expense of those who are patient and obeying the law.
— said Motara.
She was accompanied by City of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya and MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka.
Third contractor takes over
Motara said the project had been blocked after the department terminated contracts with two previous contractors.
“As the community, you know the department has tried to do the project two times before and we failed. We had to terminate the first and second contractors. We are now on number three and it is going well,” she said.
Maluleka warned against invading projects, saying eviction orders were ready.
“We want to discourage those who have plans to invade our projects. If you take chances, we are going to remove you,” he said.
MK party threatens court action
The MK party said it was considering legal action over housing failures, accusing the Gauteng government of a growing backlog in RDP allocations and title deeds.
The party said applicants who registered in the 1990s, are still waiting while younger applicants have allegedly been allocated homes ahead of them.
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The party called for a review of the First Home Finance funding model, greater transparency in the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant, and a nationwide campaign under the banner “Where Are My Keys?”
“The MK party won’t stand idle while political parties turn housing lists into campaign tools, and while corruption and maladministration deny South Africans the dignity the Constitution promises them,” said Sifiso Mahlangu.
DA raises Shalimar Ridge concerns
DA Gauteng shadow MEC for Human Settlements Mervyn Cirota said eight years of failure had turned the Shalimar Ridge housing project in Lesedi into a human crisis.
The party has publicly raised concerns about delays in allocating the Shalimar Ridge units to beneficiaries and the alleged illegal occupation of some units.
Cirota said rightful beneficiaries are struggling to take possession of homes they have waited years for, while illegal occupiers live in difficult conditions with unreliable electricity supply.
Cirota said the DA would table questions to Motara seeking clarity on how beneficiaries would be verified and illegal occupation addressed.
“Compassion for those currently living at Shalimar Ridge and justice for rightful beneficiaries are not mutually exclusive.
“The GDHS, Lesedi Local Municipality and Premier Panyaza Lesufi must take responsibility for resolving a crisis they have allowed to spiral for years,” said Cirota.
