The City of Ekurhuleni warns residents about a social media scam promising expedited applications for government-subsidised housing, commonly referred to as RDP.

The scam invites residents interested in applying for RDP houses, or checking the status of their applications, to bring a tribal authority letter.

The city wishes to categorically clarify that the subsidised houses provided by the city require no such letter.

Residents should therefore not respond to requests for tribal authority letters or provide personal information to individuals claiming to facilitate RDP housing applications.

The city also cautions residents against paying any person or organisation that promises to secure an RDP house or speed up their housing application.

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Residents are reminded that legitimate government housing processes do not require paying intermediaries to access housing subsidies.

Residents who wish to check the status of their housing application or obtain information on how to apply for a housing subsidy are urged to use official government channels.

For housing-related enquiries, residents can contact:

• National Department of Human Settlements Customer Service Hotline: 0800 146 873
• Gauteng Department of Human Settlements Hotline: 0860 428 836
• National Anti-Corruption & Fraud Hotline: 0800 701 701
• City of Ekurhuleni service call centre: 0860 543 000

The city calls on residents to verify housing-related information through official government platforms before acting on any social media posts.

Residents are also encouraged to report suspected fraud, corruption or individuals soliciting money in exchange for housing opportunities to the nearest police station or to the contacts given above.