Residents who have held onto their C-forms, proof of their registration for government-subsidised housing, since as early as 1996, are being mobilised to unite and possibly take to the streets to demand reconstruction and development programme (RDP) homes.

Read more: Umphakathi Warona unites Joburg residents to fight for long‑delayed RDPs

While the leader of Umphakathi, Warona Thabang Moloi, did not commit to a date for the march, he did announce plans for the march to be large-scale, uniting residents from multiple townships to confront authorities and insist on the allocation of subsidised housing. This was revealed during a recent meeting at a church on 12 Avenue. Moloi stressed that patience has run out. “Everyone who wants a house, we are going to come together from Soweto, Alexandra, Cosmo, and Orange Farm. We are going to make one big march to tell the government that we don’t want anything else, we want our houses.”

He said the marchers will deliver a memorandum calling for a comprehensive audit of housing allocations to address alleged irregularities, including instances where RDP homes have reportedly been given to more recent applicants ahead of long-standing queue members.

Kim Baloyi, a member of Umphakathi Warona, highlighted the injustice faced by priority cases from 1996 who continue to live in shacks and overcrowded conditions. She spoke about events in Diepsloot last October, where homes were allegedly allocated to newcomers, as the tipping point that prompted the group to act. “That was when we took a stand. It became apparent that those whose need for houses dates back to 1996 would not get houses.” She has been actively collecting C-forms in Soweto since November last year to build a robust database and strengthen their demands.

Moloi stressed that collective action, combined with faith and determination, is key to securing not only housing but also broader opportunities like jobs for South Africans. The organisation draws on previous successes, where the group, according to Moloi, helped 17 people secure homes since launching efforts in Soweto in November last year. On the back of this, the organisation decided to take the fight for government houses further.

Also read: Tensions flare over RDP housing in Alex – reports

Meanwhile, the human settlement department in Johannesburg has noted, on social media, that a C-Form is not a guarantee of housing allocation. The department noted that it only serves as evidence that a person has applied for housing assistance, and that it is used to check a person’s position on the housing waiting list.

Alex News reached out to the human settlement department in Johannesburg, but their comment was not yet obtained by time of publication.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!