Allegations of irregular RDP housing allocations in the Leeuwpoort Housing Development have now been formally tabled before the City of Ekurhuleni Council, marking a significant escalation in the long-running Parkdene housing dispute.

Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos submitted the matter following months of complaints and stakeholder engagements regarding the beneficiary allocation process.

The escalation follows a series of meetings, including a January 20 stakeholder session between residents of Wards 32 and 34 and the Department of Human Settlements, where several concerns were raised.
These include:

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• Allegations of corruption, including illegal selling or renting of subsidised units.
• Beneficiaries reportedly earning above the R3 500 income threshold.
• Units are allegedly being allocated to politically connected individuals, and young applicants ahead of residents who have been on the waiting list since the 1990s.
• Separate allocations to parents and their children within the same development.

The Human Settlements Oversight Committee (HSOC) acknowledged systemic weaknesses in the allocation process, including the risk of double allocations and the non-functionality of the Project Steering Committee and Labour Desk.

According to De Vos, the committee identified shortcomings in the Joint Housing Committee’s functioning.

While the Department of Human Settlements provided a progress update on phase one and outlined policy justifications for certain allocations, it did not provide a detailed beneficiary breakdown for phase two.

The department also acknowledged systemic vulnerabilities, including the possibility of double allocations, and it indicated that similar cases have been referred to Corporate Legal Services for eviction proceedings.

Based on its findings, the committee recommended a comprehensive audit of phase one and phase two beneficiary allocations, as well as the resuscitation of the Project Steering Committee and Labour Desk before phase three commences. The Department of Human Settlements is expected to submit a progress report by May 2026.

De Vos said the council submission aims to ensure “housing allocations are fair, transparent, and reach those who truly need them,” as long-standing applicants continue to await clarity.

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