In Conversation With Tahir Sema -Chief Director: Communication Services Gauteng Department of Human Settlement
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The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has launched an investigation into allegations that government-subsidised houses are being illegally sold to foreign nationals in Devon, a town located in Devon.
According to the department, reports circulating online claim that an individual may be unlawfully selling RDP houses, also known as Breaking New Ground (BNG) homes, to people who do not qualify for these government housing subsidies.
RDP houses form part of South Africa’s post-apartheid housing programme aimed at providing free housing to low-income households. Beneficiaries are selected through formal processes managed via the National Housing Needs Register and the Housing Subsidy System, which ensure that homes are allocated to qualifying South African citizens and permanent residents.
Authorities say the illegal sale of these homes undermines the housing programme and deprives deserving families, many of whom have been waiting years or even decades, of the opportunity to receive adequate housing.
The department has now instructed its Beneficiary Management Unit and Anti-Fraud and Corruption officials to investigate the allegations, verify property ownership and determine whether any unlawful transactions or occupation have taken place.
If wrongdoing is confirmed, officials say the state may recover the properties and pursue criminal charges through the South African Police Service.
The department has also urged members of the public with information about housing fraud to come forward.
According to the department, reports circulating online claim that an individual may be unlawfully selling RDP houses, also known as Breaking New Ground (BNG) homes, to people who do not qualify for these government housing subsidies.
RDP houses form part of South Africa’s post-apartheid housing programme aimed at providing free housing to low-income households. Beneficiaries are selected through formal processes managed via the National Housing Needs Register and the Housing Subsidy System, which ensure that homes are allocated to qualifying South African citizens and permanent residents.
Authorities say the illegal sale of these homes undermines the housing programme and deprives deserving families, many of whom have been waiting years or even decades, of the opportunity to receive adequate housing.
The department has now instructed its Beneficiary Management Unit and Anti-Fraud and Corruption officials to investigate the allegations, verify property ownership and determine whether any unlawful transactions or occupation have taken place.
If wrongdoing is confirmed, officials say the state may recover the properties and pursue criminal charges through the South African Police Service.
The department has also urged members of the public with information about housing fraud to come forward.
