The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements acknowledges the concerns raised by residents in Westonaria and other parts of the West Rand regarding delays in the allocation of Breaking New Ground (BNG/RDP) houses.
We recognise that the housing backlog remains a pressing issue, with over 750,000 approved beneficiaries in Gauteng still awaiting allocation. This is not just a statistic, it represents families, elderly citizens, child-headed households, and the destitute who continue to wait for the dignity of a home.
Delivery Progress
Despite limited resources and fiscal constraints, the Department continues to make tangible progress:
- 7,237 BNG units were delivered in the last financial year, exceeding the target of 5,914.
- 474 serviced sites were provided, more than double the target of 233.
- 518 households were relocated from informal settlements into formal mega projects.
Hostel upgrades are underway at Denver, Jeppe, George Goch, Murray & Roberts, MBA, and LTA Rethabile, ensuring dignified communal living.
In the current 2025/26 financial year, R5.05 billion has been allocated to housing development. This budget will deliver 7,503 new BNG (RDP) units, nearly 5,000 engineering service connections, and 200 hectares of serviced land, alongside the registration of 8,623 title deeds.
Tackling Illegal Occupations
Illegal occupations remain a major challenge, as they undermine the rights of lawful beneficiaries and delay projects. The Department has taken these matters to court to ensure fair resolution and to protect rightful beneficiaries.
Prioritising the Most Vulnerable
In allocating houses, priority is always given to:
- Elderly citizens
- Child-headed households
- Persons with disabilities
- The most destitute families
The Department will continue to place these vulnerable groups at the front of the queue, ensuring that limited resources reach those who need them most.
MEC Motara’s Commitment
Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, said:
“Housing delivery is not a numbers game. It is about restoring dignity, bringing hope, and securing tenure for our people. While the backlog is large and the frustration of communities is understandable, we are working tirelessly — one brick, one serviced stand, one title deed at a time. With limited resources, we remain steadfast in ensuring that no family is left behind.”
A Call for Patience and Partnership
The Department appeals to communities to work with government and not resort to illegal occupations, which only undermine delivery and delay progress for rightful beneficiaries.
Through partnerships with municipalities, developers, financiers, and communities themselves, the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements will continue to accelerate delivery and build inclusive, sustainable human settlements.
