990 Grand Central Social Housing Project housing units launched in Midrand for low to middle-income earners
Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane and Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Tasneem Motara hand over the Grand Central Social Housing project to tenants.
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane launched the Grand Central Social Housing Project in Midrand on March 4, delivering affordable units for low to middle-income earners while creating jobs and advancing inclusive urban development.
The housing project, which commenced in June 2022 and was completed in December 2023, consists of 990 units designed for individuals earning between R1 820 and R22 000 per month. The government aims to deliver 15 000 social housing units over the next five years, as outlined in the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024-2029.
Simelane, who handed over the keys to several new beneficiaries, was joined by Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara at the launch.
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The minister said the project was critical in bridging the housing gap for individuals earning too much to qualify for Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing, yet unable to secure home loans.
“If you drive around, you see RDPs are being demolished, people are building for themselves,” said Simelane. “It means that an era for that housing policy now needs to focus on the vulnerable groups of people living with disabilities who are unable to make ends meet or child-headed households and a category of the elderly who are unable to have their own houses.”
She said the project not only addressed housing needs but also created 150 job opportunities, prioritising inclusion with roles for black women, youth, men, and people with disabilities. Additionally, 49 BEE subcontractors were involved in the project.
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Tenants at Grand Central expressed satisfaction with the quality and convenience of the housing complex. Disabled tenant Thabo Mashaba noted that the facilities were disabled-friendly since all amenities were close by.
“It is home away from home. The complex is wheelchair-friendly, and everything is just outside my doorstep, everything is accessible,” said Mashaba.
A fellow tenant, Valerie Nhlapo, lauded the accessibility of the complex including its well-managed facilities such as a gym, laundry services and a local convenience store.
Nedbank was thanked for its role in financing the initiative, with Motara noting the bank’s continued support for property development in both public and private sectors.
“This project proves that social housing can be a viable and successful model,” said Motara. “It provides economic benefits to investors, financial institutions, and most importantly, to the residents.
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“The government co-funds it alongside private developers, meaning that the developer must repay the loan while also managing the property as a rental business. The rental income generated goes directly to the developer and the owner of the project.”
Motara also confirmed that additional projects of this nature were in the pipeline, with applications currently under review by the Social Housing Regulatory Authority.
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