Tshwane establishes dispute resolution committee to tackle illegal RDP house occupations



The City of Tshwane has vowed to take action against illegal occupants of government-built low-cost houses, known as RDP houses, through a newly-formed dispute resolution committee.

The committee is tasked with resolving disputes arising from ownership of the houses, and those found to be occupying the properties unlawfully will face eviction.

Aaron Maluleka, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Housing and Human Settlements, said the committee will provide a platform for residents to voice their complaints and grievances related to the rights to occupancy or ownership of low-cost residential houses.

The dispute over RDP house ownership in Tshwane housing projects stems from allegations that illegitimate beneficiaries have purchased these properties from some community leaders.

In 2017, Mandla Nkomo, the former MMC for Housing and Human Settlements, took a firm stance against the illicit sale of RDP houses by corrupt officials and politicians. 

He warned that individuals who purchased these properties illegally would not be eligible for housing allocations and should instead seek refunds from the corrupt sellers.

Despite Nkomo’s efforts, the practice of illegally selling RDP houses continues.

In the same year, about 2,000 people illegally occupied low-cost houses in Olivenhoutbosch Extension 27, and a housing project with 919 flats in Extension 36 was also previously invaded by illegal occupiers.

Maluleka said the committee will focus on addressing disputes related to the illegal sale of municipal-owned houses and ownership rights, and that the adjudication process will be fair, cost-effective, and speedy. 

Its establishment comes after the city has been flooded with disputes related to low-cost housing, largely from indigent residents who can’t afford the costly court process. 

“The guidelines regulating the functions and mandate of the committee are in line with the rules of the administrative law and the common law in general,” Maluleka said.

He stated that participants dissatisfied with the committee’s ruling or who believe the process was not impartial can appeal within 21 days through the dispute resolution appeals committee.

“After the committee has made a final decision on an appeal, parties who remain unsatisfied with the outcome will be referred to court at their own expense. This will occur without interference or intervention from the municipality,” he said.

Those with concerns about RDP housing can visit their local municipal offices for more information about the work of the committee and how to register their grievances. 

Maluleka said: “Through the work of the committee, we will be able to ensure that vulnerable beneficiaries are not stripped of their rights to ownership of the houses.”

Meanwhile, he also reported that the city conducted a service delivery drive, Tshwane Re A Spana, in Mabopane Station, where illegal structures built along the M17 Road, alleged to be used as drug dens, were removed.

“This is in accordance with the municipal by-law regulations. Many of the illegal structures were built in the early 1990s and mushroomed over the years, used as salons and other small businesses,” he said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za



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