The Minister caused a stir when she announced that South Africans under the age of 40 should not expect to benefit from the government’s RDP houses as they were not directly affected by apartheid.
Patel said the youth are the ones most affected by poverty and unemployment.
He said, “The constitution makes provisions for anyone, regardless of age, and everyone can benefit from the state’s housing initiative. The Minister suggested that only the elderly and disabled can benefit from the RDP houses distribution.”
He pointed out that government has consistently used housing as a reward when campaigning for elections. “This has created housing expectations to the homeless in South Africa,” said Patel.
He stated that land earmarked for housing in Rabie Ridge remains undeveloped. As much as the association would be willing to work with the minister on ways to address housing issues in places like Rabie Ridge, Patel stressed that, “The association wants the Minister to know that her policy pronouncements combined with a corrupted housing list, are fuelling conflict and have the potential to create lawlessness in many areas.”
This year alone, Midrand Reporter has covered over four housing protests in Rabie Ridge. Residents have waited for years for what they say was promised to them, the RDP houses.
