The City of Johannesburg has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering dignified, integrated human settlements, outlining progress and challenges during a community engagement in Region C. Addressing residents at Roodepoort City Hall, the City’s Department of Human Settlements said it is shifting beyond basic housing delivery towards fully integrated communities located near schools, clinics and transport routes.
Working with partners such as Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), the department is prioritising Breaking New Ground (BNG) developments designed to connect residents to economic opportunities.
Officials acknowledged the significant housing backlog but stressed that allocations are now centralised through the National Housing Needs Register to ensure fairness and transparency. A key project under the spotlight is the Goudrand Mega Development, expected to benefit residents from Braamfischerville, Sol Plaatjie, Zama Impilo and Leratong Village. While construction of housing units is complete, allocations have been delayed due to outstanding electrification by City Power.
Thabo Tofile, Unit Head for Allocations, said units cannot be handed over until they are safely connected to electricity. “We cannot allocate until electrification is finalised,” he said, emphasising resident safety.
JOSHCO COO Melusi Ndima confirmed that the entity is working closely with the City to address service constraints and formalise settlements, including the Rugby Club Informal Settlement.
Residents also raised concerns about service delivery in informal settlements. City officials acknowledged the challenges and reiterated their constitutional mandate to ensure access to adequate housing and basic services.
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to improve communication, accelerate delivery and strengthen partnerships as the City works to transform housing projects into sustainable, inclusive communities.
MMC for Human Settlements, Cllr Mlungisi Mabaso, warned residents against fraudsters selling fake C-Forms or demanding payment for so-called queue jumping. “A C-Form only confirms registration on the housing demand database – it is not a guarantee of a house,” Cllr Mabaso stressed, noting widespread confusion, including cases where children inherit applications and assume approval is automatic. Resident Agnus Matsetse welcomed the initiative after updating her information.
The City reiterated that government does not sell RDP houses, title deeds or beneficiary positions, urging residents to report any payment requests.
Written by S’duduzo Dludla