In a recent media statement by City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Herman Mashaba, he stated that ownership of their rented houses will be transferred to qualifying and rightful occupants.
The City of Johannesburg operates a substantial rental stock across the City, offering subsidised accommodation to families.
“For years, the City of Johannesburg has failed to repair and maintain its rental stock. In some instances, the City has been guilty of operating more as a Slum Lord than a caring City trying to address the housing backlog. The move to hand over title to these rental units will be aimed at those who have occupied the flats for a period of time that will be determined. This will see the long-standing tenants of these flats becoming owners, in possession of title deeds, and with an asset to pass onto their children one day,” Mashaba said.
Mashaba stated that South African citizens will be the first to be considered to benefit from these transfers of title.
“With the crisis of land and property ownership in our country, it is inconceivable that the City of Johannesburg would allow people to languish in poorly maintained flats as perpetual tenants. The housing backlog in Johannesburg stands officially at 300 000 people. However, the housing market in Johannesburg produces a ‘missing middle’ – people unable to qualify for RDP housing or a private bond. For hundreds of thousands of families, their only option is affordable housing through subsidised rental,” he explained.
Mashaba mentioned that he will be working with the Housing Department to formulate the criteria for this change in the City’s approach to its rental stock, and bringing a report to Council in 2019. “With the support of Council,” he said, “we will achieve this monumental change to housing in Johannesburg, incentivising those who currently rent [with the prospect] that one day they too can own their homes,” he added.
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