Do you qualify for a RDP house?

POLOKWANE – The department of housing in Limpopo spent an estimated R3,5 billion on the construction of 10 527 Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses which were handed over to needy families recently.

During her budget speech, Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) MEC, Makoma Makhurupetje said the department had set a target to build 12 980 RDP houses this financial year. Thus far, more than 10 000 houses have been completed, and this has been to the benefit of over 41 000 people who lived in poor conditions before.

However, there are still a number of people who did not get to move into a new house for various reasons, including ineligibility or missing information on their application forms.

Review asked Polokwane Municipality Spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, to explain the rules and requirements for receiving the keys to one’s own RDP home.

In terms of the national qualifying criteria, one must meet the following main requirements:

1. The applicant must be 18 or older and of sound mind.
2. The applicant must be a permanent South African resident or have acquired permanent residency from the relevant South African authority in case of non-South African citizens.
3. The applicant may be married, single, divorced or cohabitating with proven financial dependants.
4. The combined monthly income of the household must not exceed R3 500.

It must be noted that since there are different housing programmes Government uses to address the national housing backlog, there are a few exceptions to the rules, including:

1. To qualify for GAP housing, the combined monthly income of a household must not exceed R15 000.
2. Pensioners are exempt from supplying proven financial dependants.
3. Under 18 years applicant in marriage are exonerated by virtue of marriage.
4. People who have received housing assistance elsewhere in South Africa are exonerated in the social/rental housing, provided they meet the requirements for such social/rental housing.

RDP Housing Application

To get a house, you need to start the RDP housing application process which begins by visiting the Polokwane Municipality Housing Unit in Landdros Maré Street. Necessary documentation such as ID documents, proof of income etc will be required throughout this process.

All applicants will be screened and the successful candidates will then be identified.

There are processes to be followed and a long waiting list for these homes; it is therefore best to educate yourself on the application process before you get started.

anne@nmgroup.co.za