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On Thursday morning, MMC for Human Settlements Anthea Leitch joined the MEC of Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development, Lebogang Maile, and the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, to allocate more than 200 new RDP units to beneficiaries and to hand out title deeds.

The Lufhereng megaproject in the Soweto area of Johannesburg is an integrated mixed housing development that is meant to be inclusive of social amenities, open spaces and economic opportunities. It is meant to yield 32 636 mixed housing units when completed. 

Nearly 13 000 of these units are slated to be RDPs. About 5,500 structures have been built since the megaproject was first conceived in 2004, with 2 537 of these being RDPs so far.

The deputy minister was present, in particular, to see military veterans take occupation of their new homes.

In her address, MMC Leitch welcomed everyone present – the beneficiaries and their families most of all.

“You, the beneficiaries, are the heart and soul of these developments and are the people who ultimately give these projects life and meaning. I appreciate all of your presence here today and for giving us the opportunity to share this handover with the five recipients who are among the hundreds of others who will be receiving their units today and over the next few days.”

She said it was easy to lose sight of the individual stories of people who had been on waiting lists, keeping faith that this day would come for them. 

“When I was looking at the names and details of today’s beneficiaries, I was struck by the fact that two of them were born just after the Second World War started in 1939. They will both be turning 85 later this year. Another two were born during that same war, which should put in perspective how long a life can be for someone who is blessed to live into their 80s.

“My wish for them and all the other beneficiaries is that they will be able to enjoy many more years in their new homes and that they will find joy and peace in the knowledge that they will also be leaving their families a legacy and a step towards greater security in the years ahead. 

“I am grateful to be here with you all and representing the work of the city in trying to change the spatial legacy of this city. We continue to pursue our constitutional obligation of realising the right of South Africans to have access to adequate housing.”

She acknowledged that “none of this would be possible without the city and the province working together to install the bulk services and finalise the planning approvals that are needed from our side, along with the work from province that goes into building the top structures”. 

The MMC added: “Let us continue to cooperate and place service delivery first.”

Issued by City of Johannesburg