By 
WESTONARIA — In a major step toward addressing the provincial housing backlog, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has officially handed over 50 newly completed homes to qualifying beneficiaries in Westonaria Borwa, Rand West City Local Municipality.
The handover ceremony, led by the Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, and Rand West City Executive Mayor, Cllr William Matsheke, marks another milestone in a massive local housing project that has already delivered more than 3,500 houses. Once fully completed, the mega-development is projected to yield approximately 16,000 housing units.
Restoring Dignity and Security
Addressing the emotional crowd of beneficiaries, MEC Motara emphasized that the government’s housing initiative is about much more than just construction.
“A home is about restoring dignity, building families and creating sustainable communities,” Motara said. “Our responsibility goes beyond providing houses; we are working with all spheres of government to ensure that communities also have access to essential social amenities and public services.”
For 90-year-old Beatrice Mbantsa, the handover was life-changing. Mbantsa, who previously lived in the Bekkersdal informal settlement, shared the immense hardships she faced while living in a shack, including being repeatedly targeted by criminals.
“My life will change for the better. I finally feel safe and protected in my new home,” Mbantsa expressed with gratitude. “I had lost hope because of the crime and suffering I experienced while living in a shack. I thank the Department for changing my life and encourage it to continue giving hope to other families who are still waiting for decent housing.”
Strict Warnings Against Illegal Sales and Rentals
While celebrating the milestone, MEC Motara issued a stern warning against the unlawful renting or selling of government-subsidized homes—practices strictly prohibited by law.
The MEC revealed that the Department, in partnership with the Auditor-General, is actively conducting verification inspections to ensure that registered beneficiaries are the actual, lawful occupants of the properties.
“If it is found that an RDP house has been illegally rented out or occupied by someone other than the rightful beneficiary, government will institute legal action, repossess the property and allocate it to deserving beneficiaries who are still waiting for housing,” Motara warned.
Dispelling Misinformation On Allocations
MEC Motara also used the platform to directly address widespread rumours and misinformation regarding the state’s housing allocation processes, clarifying that government-subsidized housing is strictly allocated based on approved legal criteria.
“Today we are allocating houses to South Africans, yet the government is often accused of allocating houses to non-South Africans,” Motara stated. “The housing allocation system does not register non-South African applicants for subsidised housing, and allocations are made in line with government policy.”
Beneficiaries were urged to take pride in their new properties and maintain them properly. The MEC advised that any residents wishing to build extensions to their new homes must first obtain the required municipal approvals.
Local Government Backing and Civic Duty
Echoing the MEC’s sentiments, Executive Mayor Cllr William Matsheke congratulated the community’s newest homeowners and urged them to protect their properties.
Matsheke reminded residents of the importance of paying for municipal services to keep local infrastructure functioning, pointing out that qualifying lower-income residents who cannot afford these services should apply for indigent support through the local municipality.
Looking ahead, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has confirmed plans to deliver an additional 900 houses in Westonaria Borwa during the 2026/27 financial year, continuing its drive to accelerate housing delivery across the province.
