‘RDP title deeds will empower its owners’
The sale and renting of RDP houses in South Africa has been a bone of contention for many and Human Rights Advocate, Pat Molepo believes that opening and legalising the trade will provide greater protection for buyers and sellers.
POLOKWANE – This not only relates to the fact that many people lack the understanding of the responsibility that come with being the legal beneficiary of an RDP house but also the government’s opposition of the practice of selling RDP houses.
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Molepo explained that for years, the government has been stating that nobody other than the legal beneficiary can live in an RDP house and the issue is further complicated by reports that houses are often sold or rented to foreign nationals which in turn breeding resentment around housing shortages.
Molepo clarified that the policy that prevent recipients from selling their houses is not absolute, but beneficiaries are not allowed to sell the RDP houses until after an eight year period has lapsed.
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“If people are able to enter into the sale of their RDP house from an empowerment position, the result can be very positive.
“If you allow houses to trade, you create more fluidity in the market because there is more supply.
“You also give people a reason to invest in their houses if they know they will realise a return.” he stated.
Molepo gave the example of someone who might be able to sell their house for R110 000 and use the proceeds as equity to purchase a better house. In an ideal world, their next house is then delivered by the private sector, and in that way housing delivered by the private sector becomes a relevant supply for the low-income person who could not otherwise afford to buy a house.
Paena Galane CoGHSTA Spokesperson confirmed that beneficiaries are allowed to sell their houses after the preemptive clause (a period of eight years), but the sale of the house is subject to seeking approval from the department. The preemptive clause is about protecting our beneficiaries from being homeless, hence they need to seek approval from the department.
“To qualify for a house you also disclose your children as part of their protection through the house. The well being of the family, and whether they are moving to a better place and or they will not be homeless after the sale. The kids included. It’s a commercial transaction,” he said.
