Nel Yacobus (75) is looking for accommodation that will meet his needs.
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Yacobus lives with his wife, who uses a wheelchair in Germiston, and he cannot afford the rent he is paying.
“In 2013 I lived in my car and winter days were just hard. I could not afford a decent place to live in and I ended up on the streets,” said Yacobus.
“The current rent is expensive and soon I will be kicked out again. I have a partner in a wheelchair. I am looking for an old age home or a cottage that is affordable to rent,” said Yacobus.
Zweli Dlamini, City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) spokesperson, said CoE has elderly accommodations but the applicants must individually or jointly have an income of between R800 to R3 500 per household per month.
“Tenants of all council-owned pensioner rental-housing units are expected to pay nominal rental amounts and municipal service charges,” said Dlamini.
“The applicants must visit their nearest housing official for further assistance.”
The following documents are needed:
• Certified copy of identity document.
• Proof of income or Sassa letter that states the applicant receives a social grant.
• Proof of marital status.
• Proof of disability.
Dlamini said the waiting period depends on the availability of vacant rental units.
In addition, an enquiry was sent to the CoE and escalated to the Department of Social Development (DSD) provincial level.
“The Department of Human Settlement is responsible for the administration of the council-owned rental housing units for elderly and the DSD at the provincial level is the custodian of administration of old age homes.
“The DSD is responsible for admission and subsidising the pension grant of the qualifying older person. Old age homes are at the statutory level, therefore, fall under provincial care.
“The CoE is accountable for service centres or luncheon clubs. Admissions are dependent on individual old age homes, however, admission is determined by the category of the beneficiaries they are servicing. Old age homes are at the statutory level, therefore, fall under the provincial government.
“Contact the human settlement office in Kempton Park on 011 999 4263 to enquire about available space for placement,” said Dlamini.
