Ekurhuleni residents have been warned to remain vigilant following social media scams promising to fast-track applications for government-subsidised housing.

The City of Ekurhuleni has cautioned residents against individuals circulating messages on social media claiming they can assist with RDP housing applications or check the status of existing applications.

According to the municipality, the scam allegedly instructs residents interested in applying for an RDP house or checking their application status to produce a tribal authority letter.

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The city clarified that no tribal authority letter is required to access its subsidised housing programmes.

Residents have been urged not to respond to requests for tribal authority letters or hand over personal information to individuals claiming to facilitate housing applications.

The warning comes as many residents continue to seek information about government housing opportunities amid a growing demand for subsidised housing in communities across Ekurhuleni.

The city has also warned residents against paying individuals or organisations claiming they can secure an RDP house, move an applicant up the housing waiting list, or speed up the allocation process.

“Residents are reminded that legitimate government housing processes do not require them to pay intermediaries to access housing subsidies,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

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Residents who receive suspicious messages are encouraged to verify the information through official government channels before providing any documents, personal information, or money.

Those wanting to check the status of their housing application or obtain information about applying for a housing subsidy can contact the relevant government departments directly.

Residents can use these official contacts:
National Department of Human Settlements Customer Service Hotline: 0800 146 873
Gauteng Department of Human Settlements Hotline: 0860 428 836
National Anti-Corruption and Fraud Hotline: 0800 701 701
City of Ekurhuleni Service Call Centre: 0860 543 000
Residents are further encouraged to report suspected fraud, corruption or anyone soliciting money in exchange for housing opportunities to the nearest police station or through the official fraud and government channels.

The municipality urged residents to think twice before responding to housing offers shared on WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media platforms, particularly where money or personal documentation is requested. Residents were urged to verify before trusting, paying, or sharing personal information.