The Merafong City Local Municipality has promised to take action after residents complained that low-cost houses in the new Khutsong Ext 6 near Welverdiend are being turned into illegal spaza shops.

Mzwandile Kheswa, representing the Elderly Movement For Change, raised concerns that government-subsidised homes intended for poor South African families are being misused and not occupied by their rightful beneficiaries.

Accompanied by the Herald, Kheswa visited stand number 9090, which has been converted into a spaza shop with its internal walls, bedrooms, toilet, and bathroom removed.

The person running the shop confirmed during the visit that he is not a South African national.
Residents also highlighted a water leak at house number 9163.

Temba Fezani, the municipality’s marketing and communication manager, responded that a statutory notice has been issued for the illegal structure on Erf 9090.

The case has been sent to the By-Law Enforcement Unit to stop the shop and enforce local rules.
“No business license or trading permit has been granted for the address, making any business activity there unauthorised,” Fezani confirmed.

Municipal records show the subsidised house was originally allocated to a female beneficiary who has rented it out to a male tenant while she lives in the Kokosi Ext 99 informal settlement.

This arrangement may constitute a contravention of the conditions of government-subsidised housing and will be investigated.

The municipality stated it is committed to ensuring such homes are used correctly, and the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements will be contacted to check the occupancy status and guide further legal action.