Gogo gets RDP after 23 years

ROSINA Masemola had to wait 23 years to finally get her ideal Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) unit.

The 67-year-old single mother and grandmother from South Hills said life without proper shelter is one she would rather forget.

She told the COURIER her previous apartment which she was renting was leaking and rats were breeding there.

“My children were exposed to a filthy environment and they were not supposed to go play outside as there were no playgrounds.

“On top of such challenges, I had to try to get money to pay rent while at the same time the children had to go school, it was hard but a strong woman pulls through in every storm,” said Masemola.

She stated she wanted to stop working because leaving her children alone at home they were exposed to all sorts of criminal activities happening in Johannesburg CBD.

“I thought to myself if I stop working how will I pay rent and what will we eat? But I continued putting my family first, I didn’t quit my job,” she added.

The road to getting the RDP

According to Masemola, she applied for a house in 1996 and she was kept on the waiting list.

“I kept on visiting the housing department almost every week because the conditions I was living were unbearable.

“These visits yielded barren results as they kept on saying they will call me if something comes up. But I didn’t give up, even my children kept on encouraging me to not give up,” said Masemola.

In 2016, she lost hope as she stopped visiting the housing department because she thought she was wasting her time. But her mind changed when she read in the COURIER about elderly residents who received title deeds.

“I thought to myself maybe I was also suppose to get one. I resumed my visits to the department and surprisingly I was told they have been looking for me. I gave in my details and now all is history,” said an excited Masemola.

The new home

Masemola explained the new RDP house has a flushing toilet and electricity.

“This home is way different than the one I used to live in. I don’t have to pay rent and water anymore and I don’t have problems with anything leaking. Even my children and grandchild have space where they can play,” said Masemola.

The councillor

Councillor Faeeza Chame said people who were lucky to get RDP houses should hold on to them.

“To have your own home is a privilege. Those who have title deeds should keep it in a safe place because we get a lot of people who take advantage of elderly people,” said Chame.

Chame’s role in RDP housing

She said her role as a councillor is simple.

“I sit on the Housing Portfolio Section 79. This is what I fight for. For people to get roofs over their heads. The RDP houses are for people who have been on the waiting list since 1996 and 1997, and then we look at the disabled and special needs applicants as well.”

“The South Hills Project is still ongoing, until 2021. People should not lose hope of getting accommodation,” she concluded.