Let’s Care provides affordable housing

Let’s Care, a South African NPO, has worked tirelessly to create affordable social housing for low-income individuals and families.
The youth-based movement bought a block of flats in Casseldale and is expanding to house more tenants.
Rent is determined by income, and renters pay for prepaid water and electricity.

“Many of our tenants are Sassa grant beneficiaries and elderly people.
“We want everyone here to enjoy a high quality of life regardless of their circumstances,” said resident Vwanganji Chonya, who is also part of the NPO’s marketing team.
Let’s Care is also determined to empower the youth by allowing them to learn a trade and earn extra income. Therefore, the flats in Cassledale have a greenhouse and a woodwork shop.

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“Residents can come to the woodwork shop and build drawers, cupboards or anything people can use and then sell them for income.
“We also allow them to go out and sell the vegetables we grow in the greenhouse,” said Chonya.
The NPO also offers tenant training, which teaches them how to maintain and clean their living quarters, as well as advice on how to save money on electricity and water by using it sparingly.

Chonya moved to Springs from Johannesburg last year to pursue a career in music and needed a place to stay.
“I wasn’t too sure where to look, but luckily a family member told me about this place and I immediately knew this is where I needed to be,” said Chonya.
One of the aims of Let’s Care is to create communities by bringing people together in an inclusive environment.
“I immediately felt welcome.
“We have people here from all walks of life but everyone gets along, which makes for a good environment,” he said.

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Two phases of flats have already been built. Construction on a third one is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The flats house around 1 000 tenants in total.
Tenants have a choice of one- or two-bedroom apartments according to their income bracket.
Each apartment comes with a built-in stove and wardrobe.
Let’s Care hopes social housing is just a phase in a person’s life and wishes to lift them to afford their own homes.
One of the complex’s directors, Lawrence Manyathi, said he also felt welcome when he arrived last year.
Vwanganj Govender, who is collaborating with Chonya on a music project, said he was very impressed when he moved in.
“It’s amazing that despite earning a low income, we are provided with quality apartments where we can make the most of our circumstances,” said Govender.
Complex manager Jackie Garura said more people need to know about social housing projects.
“There are many people who are struggling and feel they have no place to go, but social housing is affordable and everyone is welcome here,” she said.

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