The MMC for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, officially broke ground on phase 4 of the Riverside View Social Housing Development on July 22, to address the city’s housing backlog.
The final phase, delivered in partnership with the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco), will add 744 one and two-bedroom units across four sites in Region A, with construction funded by R53m from the city, and approximately R291m from the Social Housing Regulatory Authority.

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“We came to Riverside to do a site handover for the construction of 744 social housing units,” explained Mabaso. “This is our last phase, and we are pushing this programme because we’ve identified the need to construct more rental units in Johannesburg for those who do not qualify for RDP houses.”

Mabaso added that, while challenges such as vandalism, funding constraints, and incomplete projects persist, the city is working tirelessly to meet housing needs and reduce the frustrations of residents living in overcrowded backrooms or paying high rentals in the inner city.

“We urge our residents not to vandalise projects, as it delays progress and wastes resources invested to bring these developments to completion.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Ward 96 councillor Rufas Maswazi welcomes the Riverside View phase 4, highlighting the benefits of 744 new affordable homes for the community. #Ward96 #riversideviewfourways ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

He also noted that the city is also advancing hostel redevelopment, informal settlement upgrades, and alternative accommodation plans for residents in unsafe buildings, adding that the recent groundwork will translate into visible results on the ground in coming months.

@caxtonjoburgnorth MMC Mlungisi Mabaso breaks ground on Riverside View phase 4, bringing 744 new affordable homes. #Ward96 #riversideviewfourways ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North

Ward 96 councillor Rufas Maswazi welcomed the project, saying: “This development will uplift and bring dignity to our community, while ensuring more families have a place they can proudly call home.”
He added that phase 4 builds on the momentum of the previous phases, which have already delivered over 1 100 units, created local jobs, and supported women-led businesses through the expanded public works programme (EPWP).

Applications for the units will open to qualifying residents of Johannesburg soon.

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