The Department of Human Settlements has warned beneficiaries of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), to adhere to the rules and regulations. This follows the handing over of title deeds in various areas across the country.
Minister Thembi Simelani says the aim of providing RDP housing is to implement the government’s objective of providing dignified and stable housing to citizens. The department’s plea emanates from the selling of RDP units and title deeds by owners, without following due processes. Simelani outlined key regulations that must be followed.
“RDP beneficiaries cannot sell their houses within the first eight years of occupancy. This regulation is in place to prevent the immediate resale of government provided housing and ensure stability for the beneficiaries. Beneficiaries must notify the government first if they wish to sell their house, to allow the reallocation of the house to other beneficiaries on the waiting list. The renting out of an RDP during the first eight years is illegal, and it gives the Department of Human Settlements the right to reclaim the property”, The Minister explained.
Sometime last year, the government had picked up on the increase of the selling of RDP properties to foreign nationals, which it condemned and warned against.
While it acknowledged the adverse impact of socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty on citizens, the Department warned that this occurrence undermines its mandate of delivering proper housing and to eradicate the prevalence of homelessness in the country.
