Community up in arms over ‘RDP Spaza Shop’

LIMPOPO – WHILE millions of South Africans don’t have a place to call home, Vhangani Mudumela leased his RDP house to an Ethiopian national to run a spaza shop since last year at Mashau Village near Louis Trichardt.

Villagers are still complaining after the RDP house was turned into a spaza shop.

The house was built around 2009 and Mudumela used to stay in the house. DA chairperson in ward 9, Jonas Mugovhani said it is painful to see the RDP house being converted into a spaza shop while there is a family of 13 members sharing one hut in the same area.

“There are a lot of villagers staying in dilapidated huts and were supposed to get RDP houses. It will be better if the MEC for housing can come and witness the abuse of RDP houses by the people,” said Mugovhani.

Spokesperson for the Makhado Municipality, Louis Bobodi said they were not aware of the situation and they will send officers to investigate. He said the municipality will act after receiving the investigation report.

“There are a lot of people who deserve to get an RDP house but they are still waiting. It is illegal to turn an RDP house into a spaza shop while there are a lot of citizens who don’t have a place called home,” he said.

“Access to housing and secure accommodation is an integral part of government’s commitment to reduce poverty and improve the quality of people’s lives.

“The RDP endorses the principle that all South Africans have a right to a secure place in which to live in peace and dignity. Housing is a human right. One of the RDP’s first priorities is to provide for the homeless,” said Bobodi.

All attempts to find the RDP owner, Mudumela were fruitless.

The Ethiopian shop owner opted not to comment.

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