The City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee [MMC] for Human Settlements, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, has issued a stringent warning against the illegal sale of RDP homes, urging beneficiaries to retain their properties.
Speaking during a title deed handover ceremony in Braamfischerville, MMC Mabaso emphasised that such transactions create significant departmental challenges and undermine housing policy.
“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,” stated MMC Mabaso.
He revealed that over 200 title deeds are currently held by the department, awaiting collection by rightful owners, but cannot be issued to those who have illegally purchased RDP houses.
“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.”
MMC Mabaso further addressed concerns regarding RDP houses being sold to foreign nationals, urging beneficiaries to occupy and protect their allocated homes.
“As beneficiaries, simply occupy your homes and stay in them. Protect your township and your space. If there is suspicion that a foreign national has been allocated, inform us so we can investigate and take action. What is important is for you to stay in the homes that you have been given as South Africans,” he asserted.
Executive Mayor, Cllr Dada Morero, who joined MMC Mabaso for the handover, congratulated the new property owners, stressing the importance of title deeds for future family planning and investment.
“It is important for one to have a title deed for the home that they have been given. Once you have the title deed, you can properly plan for the future of your family. You can also have a will so that when you are no longer there, your children do not start fighting over your property.”
Mayor Morero encouraged recipients to invest in their properties: “When you get some little money, do something in your home, improve it. 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.”
On this occasion, a total of 25 title deeds were formally issued. All 14 Braamfischerville townships were approved by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements in terms of the Less Formal Townships Establishment Act, Act 113 of 1991 [“LFTE”].
The township register has been opened for Braamfischerville Extensions Proper, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10, facilitating the transfer of properties to beneficiaries. However, over 260 title deeds across nine extensions remain uncollected at the office by their rightful owners. Extensions 7, 12, and 13 are still pending township register opening due to outstanding establishment processes and conditions that are yet to be fulfilled.
Issued by the City of Johannesburg
