South Africa’s Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has called on the City of Johannesburg to expedite the delivery of social housing units to address the escalating demand for affordable housing. The continuous influx of people migrating to Gauteng, the economic center of South Africa, has contributed to the ever-growing demand. In response, Minister Kubayi has urged the government to collaborate with the private sector to increase the number of social housing units in the city and beyond.
Expanding Affordable Rental Housing Units
Minister Kubayi led a sod-turning ceremony at the Riverside Social Housing Project in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, to mark the beginning of Phase 3 of the project. The project aims to address social, economic, and spatial integration while providing affordable rental accommodation in the city. During a recent community engagement, the Minister handed over completed phase 1 and 2 social housing units to beneficiaries.
The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), an entity of the City of Johannesburg, has received over 9,000 applications since July, which is indicative of the demand for social housing in other areas. The Gauteng Human Settlements MEC, Lebohang Maile, has responded to community concerns about the lack of facilities in Diepsloot and surrounding areas. Plans to provide social amenities such as schools and clinics on identified pieces of land are being developed. Additionally, the scope of housing projects needs to expand as the number of people searching for better opportunities in the province rises.
Creating a Social Housing Program
Many people living in informal settlements do not qualify for fully subsidized government houses due to their income bracket, which falls between R3501 and R22,000. A social housing program that offers affordable rental stock is necessary to address this issue. Minister Kubayi reminded tenants of their constitutional responsibility to pay rent and help the government work with the private sector to deliver more affordable rental units.
Collaborating for De-Risking Potential Beneficiaries
The Department of Human Settlement is collaborating with the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) to de-risk potential beneficiaries who might not qualify for various housing opportunities due to their credit ratings. The Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), an entity of the Department and delivery agent for the Riverside View Social Housing Project, confirmed that 14 projects accounting for 4700 units across the country would be completed and ready for handover by the end of this year.
Meeting the Government’s Commitment to Affordable Rental Housing
Minister Kubayi expressed the government’s commitment to delivering 18,000 units between 2019 and 2024, with over 11,000 units already handed over to beneficiaries. By collaborating with the private sector and working alongside local government entities, the goal of providing affordable, safe, and comfortable homes to residents in need can be achieved.
Minister Kubayi’s call for increased affordable rental housing is a crucial step in addressing the growing demand for accessible and decent living spaces. The continued expansion of social housing projects, such as the Riverside Social Housing Project, demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of low-income families and individuals in South Africa.
