Widow’s pain as she waits 25 years for RDP house in Tsakane

Tsakane – According to the South African Human Rights Commission, adequate housing is an important basic human right which is recognised in the Constitution and the international human rights instruments.

The 63-year-old Nomcebelo Annah Phakathi claims her rights to adequate housing has been violated after waiting for a Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) house for over 25 years.

This was after it was discovered that her house address was incorrectly captured on the system.

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“I went to the Department of Housing in Alberton and was told my address has been incorrectly captured and my ward councillor has to assist me in this regard.

“As things stand, I am currently sharing both addresses with people I do not know,” says Annah.

The error of the house’s stand number on the application form was brought to her attention when she started making inquiries. As other residents were being built houses, there was no means of communications regarding her house.

Annah has been residing in Tokyo Section, Tsakane, for over 25 years, and has been on the waiting list to receive her RDP house ever since.

“My husband died waiting for this house which was promised to us but clearly it was an empty promise,” says Annah.

When a check on the system was made, it emerged her original address was being used by someone whom she doesn’t know.

The address which was incorrectly placed under her name, also has an owner.

And the owner is reported to be deceased.

Annah says she has been to local human settlement offices with no help, and the ward councillor hasn’t also been of help.

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Anna says housing provides dignity, and that living in a shack has been difficult and challenging.

“When it rains, water comes in and half of my furniture will be floating, which makes it difficult for us to sleep. I can’t even lock the doors anymore, and most times I am all by myself and it is just not safe.”

Ward 84 Clr Henry Buitendacht says: “The issue came to my attention about two-and-half years ago. As a ward councillor, I do not allocate RDP houses, but I have reported the matter to the human settlements several times. I am still awaiting a response from them.”

He further explains that they have submitted a petition three weeks ago as this is not the only house with issues in the area.