Illegal sale of RDP houses slammed
Following a number of RDP houses being sold illegally, the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements has reiterated its strong condemnation of this practice by either beneficiaries, government officials or any other persons.
MBOMBELA – Mpumalanga News and its sister publication, Lowvelder Express, have in recent times published numerous articles on this trend of RDP houses being either illegally sold or unlawfully occupied.
Reacting to this, the MEC responsible for this department, Speedy Mashilo, has slammed those involved in such activities, labelling the act as nothing but pure criminality. Mashilo said his department has learned with shock that these acts have found their way to WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms for forms of advertising.
ALSO READ: Tekwane South’s housing crisis remains unresolved
“It is regrettable that these manifestations come amid several complaints made to the department and lately to the media, by beneficiaries whose houses have not been given to them yet, or someone is occupying the house. This scourge has continued despite government’s constant communication and awareness against the illegal selling of RDP houses. It is evident that these perpetrators enjoy some monopoly market where they get potential buyers. Thus, the department wants to further call on buyers of these houses to desist from participating in illegal transactions and undermining service delivery as well as government policy,” said Mashilo.
He continued by clarifying that RDP houses are not meant for profit by the beneficiaries.
ALSO READ: RDP housing not for sale from third parties
“Any person found to be renting out a property, especially within the eight-year period, will create the impression that the property is not acquired for the desired purpose, therefore it should be offered back to the department, which alongside the municipality will find a qualifying beneficiary as a replacement. “We want to urge all beneficiaries to refrain from selling their houses illegally and want to advise them to report such illegal transactions. Communities are also advised that there are caveats or clauses on the deeds registry records that are meant to prevent the transfer of property without the written consent of the department.”
He said the settlements sector is well legislated and regulated.
“The Housing Amendment Act provides for a prohibition on the sale of an RDP house outside a period of eight years,” he said.
According to the act, if beneficiaries intend selling their houses within the eightyear period, such should be offered back to the department and no purchase price will be payable to these beneficiaries.
