Disabled eMbalenhle resident appeals for accessible RDP house

Chief Khocha (40), an eMbalenhle resident who lost both of his legs in an accident several years ago, is appealing for an accessible RDP house, saying his current living conditions have become unbearable.

Khocha lives alone in a three-room shack and says he would be grateful to receive an RDP house designed to accommodate the needs of a person with a disability.

According to Khocha, he has made several attempts to register for an RDP house, but was informed by officials from the Govan Mbeki Municipality that he needed to be accompanied by his ward councillor, a requirement he says has been difficult to fulfil.

“My shack leaks whenever it rains, and because of my condition I am unable to repair the roof. The corrugated iron sheets have become rusty, and I cannot afford to replace or paint them,” he said.

Khocha said he survives solely on a disability grant, making it impossible for him to build a house or maintain his current shack.

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Ward 12 Councillor Sidney Sihlalo says he is aware of Khocha’s housing challenges and remains willing to assist him in applying for an RDP house once the necessary requirements have been met.

Sihlalo explained that Khocha had previously approached him seeking assistance, but the main obstacle is that the residential stand where he lives is not registered in Khocha’s name.

“I advised him to locate the person under whose name the stand is registered. They must both go to the police station and make an affidavit confirming that the stand is being transferred to Khocha.

“After that, he must contact me so that I can accompany them to the Govan Mbeki Municipality’s housing section in Secunda, where the ownership of the stand can be changed,” said Sihlalo.

He said he had been waiting since last year for Khocha to return after completing the required steps, but had not heard from him.

“Even now, I am still waiting for him to let me know whether he has done what is required to have the stand transferred into his name,” said Sihlalo.

Sihlalo added that applicants for an RDP house are required to provide proof of residence, proof of income and a valid identity document.

He emphasised that he is ready to assist Khocha at any time, provided Khocha has the required documents and is accompanied by the person whose name the stand is currently registered in, so that the ownership transfer process can begin.