In a recent statement, the Mpumalanga MEC for Human Settlements, Speedy Mashilo, issued a stern warning against the illegal sale of government-subsidised houses meant to provide decent shelter for deserving beneficiaries.

Mashilo emphasised the significance of these homes, stating, “Government-subsidised houses are not for sale or profit-making. They are intended to afford deserving beneficiaries with decent shelter.”

The announcement comes in response to an alarming increase in fraudulent activities, where scam artists are preying on unsuspecting housing beneficiaries.

Mashilo revealed the extent of the issue, stating, “The scourge of illegal selling of government houses has adopted a new modus operandi wherein fake social media profiles and pages are created in the name of the Department and my identity.”

Mashilo stressed the importance of verifying information purportedly from government sources.
Furthermore, Mashilo called on the community, including all beneficiaries of government-subsidised houses, to refrain from participating in illegal sales and purchases of these properties.

He emphasised, “We must intensify the efforts and our collaboration.”

To combat this issue, Mashilo urged individuals to report any illegal sale of government-subsidised houses to law enforcement agencies, stating, “I want to ask the public to report these illegal transactions to the law enforcement agencies.”

Beneficiaries were reminded of the provisions within the Housing Act 107 of 1997, which stipulate that individuals who receive government-subsidised houses cannot rent or sell their property for remuneration before having owned and lived in the property for at least eight years.

Violating this law would result in the forfeiture of the property, with the provincial housing department assuming ownership.

Mashilo emphasised, “If a person decides to rent out or sell that house before the prescribed eight-year period as prescribed by the law, they will forfeit such property, and the provincial housing department shall be deemed to be the owner of such property.”

You can report fraud to:
# The Office of Human Settlements Ombudsman: E-mail: ombudsman@dhs.gov.za
# Call Centre: 0800 1 (HOUSE) 46873 weekdays between 08:00 and 15:00.
# Emergency Housing Call Centre: 0800 063772.
# Fraud and Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701.
# SAPS Crime Stop Hotline: 086 001 0111.

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