Media Release: Public Encouraged to Register on GRDM Human Settlement Database
For Immediate Release
20 March 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) calls upon eligible residents, falling within the qualifying monthly income threshold, to register on the Human Settlements Database. This initiative aims to streamline processes to determine interested and qualifying beneficiaries to facilitate the delivery of enhanced affordable housing solutions across the district.
As from September 2023, the GRDM Human Settlements Section started with a marketing exercise, creating awareness at public places over weekends, registering interested qualifying applicants who want to be part of GRDM overall Human Settlements Database. Up to date, almost 900 applicants have been registered against the set target of 2000 applicants for the GRDM affordable housing opportunities database.
The affordable housing opportunities consist of social rental and individual home ownership schemes relative to promotion of choice and affordability. These are primarily for those households whose monthly income streams and thresholds sit between R3 501 – R22 000 respectively.
The applicants have to also meet the qualifying criteria which can be summed as follows:
Be a South African person.
Sit between the afore-mentioned income streams.
Meet affordability requirements.
Be 18 years and above.
Have dependents.
The demand database will eventually be administered and used by the GRDM’s formal social housing partner, Own Haven Housing Association, for the purpose of beneficiation, allocation and management of confirmed successful beneficiaries.
By registering on the Human Settlement Database, residents enable GRDM to accurately assess and address housing needs within the community, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and targeted interventions where they are most needed.
For more information regarding the GRDM Human Settlment Database, please contact Messrs. Lubabalo Ketani and Luyolo Ndima at 044-8031300.
Caption: GRDM Human Settlement team is hard at work conducting an awareness campaign to ensure every resident knows their housing options.
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has approved an affordable housing Strategic Plan during the 2021/2022 financial year that guided the appointment of a social housing delivery partner accredited by the SHRA (Social Housing Regulatory Authority). Therefore, the GRDM also appointed the appropriate partner for the provision of social housing opportunities in well-located areas in order to facilitate long term social-economic integration.
A District Council Meeting was held on Wednesday , 25 Ooctober 2023, during which the new social housing pilot project was approved. Thus, the first social housing opportunities of approximately 166 units, will soon be realised on a municipality-owned site located in Omega Street.
As soon as possible, the GRDM Council will inform local communities about the status of the matter, with the company directly responsible for the development and beneficiation processes.
Maatskaplike Behuising Loodsprojek deur die TDM-Raad Goedgekeur
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het ‘n Strategiese Plan vir bekostigbare behuising gedurende die 2021/2022 finansiële jaar goedgekeur wat daartoe gelei het tot die aanstelling van ‘n behuisingsvennoot wat deur SHRA (Social Housing Regulatory Authority) geakkrediteer is. As gevolg hiervan het die TDM ‘n toepaslike vennoot vir die verskaffing van maatskaplike behuisingsgeleenthede in goed geleë gebiede aangestel om sodoende sosiaal-ekonomiese langtermyn integrasie te fasiliteer.
Die nuwe maatskaplike-behuisingsprojek was Woensdag, 25 Oktober 2023, tydens ‘n Distriksraadsvergadering, goedgekeur. Die eerste maatskaplike behuisingsgeleenthede van ongeveer 166 eenhede sal dus binnekort op ‘n perseel in besit van die munisipaliteit in Omegastraat realiseer.
Die TDM sal egter so spoedig moontlik die plaaslike gemeenskappe inlig rakende die nuutste verwikkelinge, en die aangestelde maatskappy sal direk verantwoordelik wees vir die ontwikkelings- en toekenningsprosesse.
Media Release: Challenges and Solutions: Minister Kubayi Engages with Local Officials and Communities
For Immediate Release
19 May 2023
The National Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, accompanied by Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete, conducted a visit to the Garden Route District municipal area in the Western Cape yesterday, 18 May 2023. The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the advancements made in providing sustainable human settlements.
The day commenced with Minister Kubayi actively engaging with local municipal officials, as well as provincial representatives, to gain insights into the challenges faced in terms of land availability, bottlenecks, and funding issues. The discussions revealed the need for enhanced communication channels between national, provincial, and local governments, which would lead to a more streamlined approach in addressing current issues.
The National Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, and the Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality, Alderman Memory Booysen, listen and respond to issues raised by residents during their visit to the Concordia community in Knysna.
Municipal Manager of Garden Route District Municipality, Monde Stratu (right), as well as Executive Mayor of Knysna, Cllr Aubrey Tswenga (left), provided feedback to the Minister of Human Settlements, regarding the status and progress of Human Settlements in the Garden Route and Knysna specifically. 0
In addition, the program for the day included significant events, such as the symbolic handover of title deeds to deserving community members from Qolweni in Plettenberg Bay and Concordia in Knysna. Community members were provided an opportunity to express their concerns and raise issues related to housing.
Minister Kubayi also shared her findings at the Khayalethu Bungalow area. She alluded to the distress she witnessed when she visited two vulnerable households whose living conditions in wooden bungalows were unfit for human habitation. She apologised to the community for what she had witnessed and the unbearable conditions in which people were forced to live, addressing both long-standing promises and emerging concerns, ensuring that all matters were duly noted. Some urgent cases were identified as requiring immediate attention and designated as emergency interventions.
During the visit and in response to some of the questions raised by the community, Minister Kubayi emphasised the priority given to the elderly and disabled individuals as beneficiaries for housing.
A happy resident of Kwanokuthula in Bitou after twenty (20) residents of the area received their title deeds that were handed over to them by Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, in the presence of the Deputy Minister and Executive Mayors of Garden Route District and Bitou Municipalities.
After an insightful speech by Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, when she informed the community about various housing matters including housing applications and a lack of land for housing purposes, residents used the opportunity to capture and report their concerns to the delegation present. These concerns will be processed and responded to in a suitable time after the engagement.
Drawing from her own personal experiences, she shared a poignant story of her childhood, growing up in a shack as the child of a domestic worker. Through determination and careful saving, she was able to purchase a home for her mother, underscoring the importance of providing dignified housing for all.
On the specific issue of Khayalethu 150 Bungalows being restored, she undertook to close the gap between the different spheres of government and its agency, Housing Development Agency, by establishing an intervention team as well as immediate appointment of a Geotech company to do the structural assessments.
This team which will make contact with local and Provincial / National governments and look at a streamlined approach with targeted performance milestones to bring relief under the Emergency Funding. The funding is now located in her department.
There will regular feedback sessions with the communities to enhance assurability of the programme progress.
Minister Kubayi reiterated her commitment to improving the lives of South African citizens by creating sustainable human settlements. She emphasized the need for collaboration and cooperation among all levels of government to address the challenges faced by communities. She urged members of the communities she addressed in Knysna and Bitou municipal areas to take pride in their homes, surrounds and communities at large, rather than waiting for government to be the change-maker for certain matters. Communities were urged to work together to keep their areas clean, support local entrepreneurs and local businesses, which would result in the economy to grow.
She also made specific reference to the potential of tourism in the region and that it is remains a key driver of jobs and economic growth of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.
The last part of the Minister’s visit included an opening of a Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) satellite office in George. Learn more about CSOS here: https://csos.org.za/
According to Minister Kubayi, the CSOS office will play a crucial role in promoting harmonious and well-governed community focused access by offering dispute resolution services, regulating governance documentation, providing education and training, and facilitating transparency and access to information.
These pictures were taken during the official launch and ribbon cutting ceremony of the satellite office for Community Schemes Ombud Services (CSOS) in George.
Overall, the visit to the Garden Route District municipal area proved to be an insightful and productive engagement, with Minister Kubayi and Deputy Minister Tshwete demonstrating their dedication to achieving equitable housing solutions for the people of the region.
Media Release: GRDM Integrated Human Settlements Strategic Plan to be enhanced
For Immediate Release
9 December 2022
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held its annual Integrated Human Settlements Strategic Plan Review Workshop at the Pine Lodge Conference Centre in George on 10 and 11 November 2022. Several municipalities in the district, internal stakeholders consisting of councillors, senior management from the various internal directorates and external stakeholders consisting of representatives from the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, government agencies in the form of Social Housing Regulatory Authority and Housing Development Agency attended this two-day workshop. Own Haven, GRDM’s development and long-term management partner, also joined the work session on day two.
Alderman Jerome Lambaatjeen, Portfolio Chairperson of Strategic Services, opened the session and welcomed attendees, followed by GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu, who opened his remarks with a quote from Charles Darwin, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.” Stratu encouraged those present to plan properly in order to fulfil and accomplish Local Government’s objectives and purpose as outlined in Section 51 of the Constitution of South Africa. To change the past, attendees need to make a deliberate effort, he said, leaving them with some food for thought.
The two-day work session was opened and closed by Ald Jerome Lambaatjeen.
GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu.
Joel Mkunqwana, GRDM Manager: Human Settlements, presented the current Human Settlement Strategic Plan, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. He outlined the purpose of the workshop which is to determine whether substantive changes have been made in relation to the National Legislative and Programme context in order to consider the impact of these changes; to ensure that the Strategic Plan remains relevant to such changes as well as aligned with its administration. In his remarks, he praised the Municipal Manager for his contribution and words of encouragement to planners, noting that he has set the bar high for them to reach. As he closed, he stated that in the human settlement industry, a long-term approach and synergy are the keys to being most effective and making an impact.
Shehaam Sims, co-manager of the GRDM Human Settlement Section, delivered a comprehensive presentation titled, Pursuing an Enabling Environment for Affordable Housing Delivery. In her reflection, she reviewed all the foundational work that has been done so far, including the feasibility study being undertaken; all the applications that had been submitted to all the relevant bodies; the decisions that had been taken; the alignments made with the appropriate authorities; and the information shared on the various platforms. She outlined what has been achieved so far using the GRDM’s vision of becoming the leading, enabling, and inclusive district, characterized by equitable and sustainable development, high quality of life, and equal opportunity for all, as foundation.
Shehaam Sims, Manager in the GRDM Human Settlement Section.
Joel Mkunqwana, GRDM Manager: Human Settlements.
This was followed by best practice and useful benchmark presentations by representatives from the Mossel Bay Municipality, GRDM IDP Section, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, the Housing Development Agency and GRDM Communication & Graphic Design Section. Topics under discussion and related impacts included:
Long term financial modelling and targeted use of municipal and state land for long term delivery;
Implementation of the Typology driven approach and model;
Incentives Framework: Comparative Income/Cost implications across the district context;
Human Settlements as one of the significant Chapters of the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF);
Spatial Justice as define and advocate by the MSDF;
Latest on the strategic acquisition and leveraging of Municipal and State Land/Properties; and
Effective communication and consultative conduits.
The GRDM Social Housing Partners presented comparative social housing products on day two, highlighting the challenges and opportunities and useful lessons learned. Representatives were very interactive and robust in their interaction throughout the two-day sessions, willing to learn from each other. The questions and proceedings were documented and used to refine and update the current GRDM Human Settlements Strategic Plan, which will be reviewed annually in accordance with the Municipal IDP and MSDF.
Presentations made on day one and two can be accessed here:
UPDATE ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE GRDM SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT:
The first project that the Human Settlements department hopes to pursue, is at Erf 26823, Omega Street in George, for the potential development of Social Rental Housing. Social Rental Housing targets people whose monthly income is between R1850 and R22 000.
A service provider has been procured through the supply chain management process to conduct a feasibility study on the site. The service provider was appointed on 1 August 2022. Numerous activities have been conducted to determine whether the site and its infrastructure can support such development.
The soil conditions have been tested. Currently we await capacity confirmation of water, electricity and sanitation for a 4 storey walk up building, with units varying in arrangement from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms with communal areas and requisite parking areas.
A final feasibility report is scheduled to be available by the end of January 2023.
In the event the feasibility report declares the project feasible, the site will be handed over to the Social Housing partner who will prepare a concept plan for approval, followed by other required plans.
Media Release: Social Housing Event – Own Haven Housing Association Introduced to Stakeholders
31 August 2022
On Monday, 29 August 2022, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held an event at the municipality’s Fire Station in George to introduce the GRDM Social Housing delivery partnership. After the formal activities, stakeholders conducted a walkabout to view the various proposed sites earmarked for possible Affordable Housing delivery. Although the walkabouts took place, the GRDM recognises that normal basic assessments processes would still need to be conducted and interested and affected parties consulted in the future. The related planning and engineering authorities (e.g. zoning and bulk or civil services studies/applications) of the proposed developments are also important. Considerations together with related public comments and eventual indications of support or objections must be considered before any final decisions can be made.
Ald Georlene Wolmarans, GRDM Speaker
Mrs Shehaam Simms, Manager: Human Settlements
The introduction of Own Haven Housing Company, the appointed Social Rental Housing Delivery partner, was indeed a historic and prestigious moment and necessity as part of the event. It was attended by the Western Cape Government Minister of Infrastructure, MEC Tertuis Simmers, along with a delegation from his office, Mayors and councillors from the Garden Route District, Human Settlement representatives from the local municipalities in the district, and stakeholders and partners. The event truly highlighted the value of cooperative governance and partnership arrangements between different spheres of government in the aim for delivering affordable housing.
In its role as a leading, enabling, and inclusive district, GRDM believes that the key government strategic plans and interventions which emphasize the need for co-planning, co-budgeting, and co-implementation, as encouraged by the Joint Metro Development Approach (JMDA) and District Development Model (DDM), are essential anchors and important levers of the One Plan strategic approach.
Mr Lusanda Menze Executive Manager: Planning and Economic Development
Mr Joel Mkunqwana, Manager: Human Settlements
In preparation and foundation of the afore-mentioned event, an earlier Memorandum of Agreement had been concluded formally between GRDM and the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements (WC DoHS), committing themselves as public partners to the long-term development objective of providing affordable housing until June 2025.
In addition, the GRDM’s Human Settlements Department earlier this year held a Strategic consultative workshop on 25th March 2022 with all the projected its development partners and stakeholders during which the concept of an Integrated District Approach to Human Settlement was advocated and promoted. More significantly, GRDM Human Settlement Department intention to align its functions with the local municipalities is an appropriate attempt to meet the requirements of co-planning, co-budgeting and co– implementation, was discussed. GRDM’s Integrated Human Settlements Strategic Plan and Human Settlements Sector Plan were also approved by the GRDM Council this year. According to Mr Mkunqwana of the GRDM’s Human Settlements Unit, these will guide and map the envisaged long-term development of affordable housing typologies in well located areas which spatially promote socio-economic integration and sustainability.
During the well-attended event, focus was placed on GRDM’s long term commitment to affordable housing, represented by the following housing products in well located areas:
• Social Rental Housing;
• FLISP/GAP Individual Home Ownership Schemes; and
• Inclusionary Housing.
Own Haven Housing Company Managing Director, Mr A Wiseman
GRDM Social Rental Housing delivery partner Mr Wiseman is welcomed by Ald. Memory Booysen
Own Haven Housing Company Managing Director, Mr A Wiseman, delivered a brief background on how his company was established twenty years ago and their experience in the social housing sector. He explained how Own Haven initiated a partnership with a Dutch social housing company who were experts in this field, and with the East London Municipality at the time. In this way, South Africans and its broader context were introduced to the concept of social housing.
“We were established as the developer and management entity of the first housing project that was developed between Dunkin House Housing Association in the Netherlands and East London Municipality, a mere 380 units situated just outside Dunkin Village. Also, to offer a housing career to its residents, key to the presentation is that social housing is a permanent rental accommodation opportunity for its residents. They may over time choose to migrate to preferred alternative forms of individual ownership. In fact, it is not a rent-to-own or a community-owned model, but a step added to a municipality’s housing options and promotion of mobility in the affordable housing context.
Residents usually stay for four to six years, and as their families grow or their economic status improves or they relocate for work opportunities, they move on, which results in another family staying in the same apartment,” Wiseman said.
Clarification of the roles and responsibilities in delivering and managing rental housing opportunities in well-located areas to facilitate socio-economic integration over the long run was also shared. Also, Own Haven’s role in ensuring mobility from poverty entrapment zones to restructuring zones was elaborated on.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen
MEC Simmers, Minister of Infrastructure for the Western Cape Government
During his address, Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor of the GRDM told the audience that his adrenaline is pumping because Human Settlements is such an imperative and sensitive matter. “Colleagues in Human Settlements, there will always be tensions; there will always be instigators and “naysayers”. In Bitou, I witnessed trouble makers trying to stop the minister from handing over homes to the beneficiaries. However, I would like to commend Minister Simmers for setting the tone during an event that could have turned disastrous. You stood your ground and you led by example. You showed us that we should not let troublemakers stop the government from forming partnerships with beneficiaries – our communities.”
In his speech, he encouraged officials and attendees not to let anyone stop the delivery of Human Settlements to the communities. The use of human settlements to cause riots will continue and should not deter us as public authorities to offer appropriate affordable housing opportunities. If the good people rise up and stand together, municipalities can accomplish what government promised to do.
On a lighter note, Ald. Booysen explained that a person can enter any shopping centre or ask anybody whether they are in favour of Integrated Human Settlements and the answer will be yes, but the moment people realise that it will happen in their neighbourhood or that it will happen next to them, “then the not in my backyard or neighbourhood syndrome comes forward”. In conclusion Booysen emphasised that this GRDM Social Housing programme is district driven and will benefit all seven municipalities within the Garden Route. According to him, the GRDM is not trying to play big brother, but are in partnership with all the local municipalities in the district and the Western Cape Government in order to make this project a reality. “Only though partnership we will be able to achieve this, so let’s embrace it.”
MEC Simmers, Minister of Infrastructure for the Western Cape Government, spoke about “The essence of affordable housing partnerships – three spheres of government”. This is linked to the currently reviewed MoA concluded between the WC Government and the GRDM which focuses primarily on the following:
• Municipal accreditation
• Enhancement of the internal institutional capacity of the GRDM’ Human Settlements function
Minister Simmers reflected on the time when he started his journey as MEC of the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements in 2019, and explained that he then committed himself to four basic principles, “I chose the word radical for a specific reason; because I believe that you cannot continue doing the same thing and expect a different outcome. If so, you are failing the people you need to lead towards a better quality of life for if we do not do that, we will be failing our people. For that reason, I chose the word radical, because it means different inclinations, innovation and that you can do things and take your key stakeholders along on the journey,” Simmers stated in his speech.
According to MEC Simmers as the Western Cape Government, on our journey to roll out integrated human settlements, we need partnerships. I am glad I was chosen to speak on this topical matter. The reality is the fiscus is getting less and the budgets in terms of Human Settlements are getting smaller. Therefore, the logical thing to do is to expand our base of partnerships,” he said.
MEC Simmers further explained that in 2019 he could not ‘get his head around’ how social housing funding works. “Houses are built; bases are expanded; no profit is made, and multi-million rand budgets are spent. However, at an information session, I learned that partnerships are essential. Also that there is funding available in the world to organisations that have a clear, solid, policy framework. This gives organisations a clear plan on how a budget will be spent.” He shared with the attendees that the GRDM is the first district municipality in WCG history with whom they have entered into a partnership, because in his opinion, a district municipality forms part of the local government ‘family’, although their role may have changed, they still have a mandate to carry out. The MEC encouraged municipalities to work together and to make communities part of their journeys. He called on councillors to become the voice of their communities and to embody the partnerships which honour the visions of the provincial and national governments.
In conclusion, MEC Simmers mentioned that there is a total distortion of what affordable and social housing is, but that affordable housing is the core focus of the WCG. “If you are a councillor and you don’t understand the concepts yet, you really need to wake-up and contact the WCG Human Settlements Department in order to be empowered with the requisite skills. It is said that when you start with the end in mind, you will know what bridges to cross to get you to the end,” he said.
After the formal program, the following sites were visited as potential sites for planned developments:
• Erf 26823, Omega Street, George (owned by GRDM)
• Erven 6236, 6231, 659, 658, CJ Langenhoven Street, George (Owned by the Department of Public Works)
• Erven 140-143, Plantation Road, George (Owned by Department of Public Works)
• Erven 152-155, Barrie Road, George (Owned by Department of Public Works)
The GRDM intends to build therefore the aforementioned affordable housing options based on choice and different needs relative to government gazetted combined monthly income thresholds which are for those earning between R1850 – R22 000 respectively. These consists of FLISP/GAP individual ownership opportunities. Social rental housing opportunities will be developed and managed over the long term by Own Haven, as the formally appointed GRDM Social Housing delivery partner. Individual home ownership schemes like FLISP/GAP on the hand will be handled by the latter or alternatively, by appointed contractors as per the GRDM’s Supply Chain Management procurement processes.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Invitation to register on the GRDM Housing Demand Database
For Immediate Release 29 May 2022
Are you a resident of Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Oudtshoorn or Kannaland and looking for an opportunity to obtain affordable housing? Then the Garden Route District Municipality invites you to register on our housing demand database. We are preparing to offer affordable housing to residents and have the following two options. A Social Rental Housing option for households with a combined monthly income between R1 851 and R22 000, and a FLISP option, for households with a combined monthly income between R3501 and R22 000.
In line with the above, we have prepared a standard application form that those interested in Affordable Housing must complete. Forms are available through the following platforms, namely:
At all local Housing offices of the 7 B-municipalities in the district.
All the GRDM sub-offices in the region.
For any related enquiries, please direct them to the GRDM Human Settlements office representatives, namely Ms Shehaam Sims or Mr Headman Mashotha at 044 803 1454.
You have three options to complete the application forms.
Submit it to your Local Municipality’s Housing Section
Submit it at any of the Garden Route District Municipality offices in the region
E-mail a scanned copy of the forms to info@gardenroute.gov.za
Please note that your form is not a subsidy application however, feel free to contact your local Municipality’ Housing Office should you require any further details.
Media Release: Minister Simmers engages Municipal Executives on Human Settlements matters
For Immediate Release 25 April 2022
Today, the newly appointed Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers engaged Mayors, Deputy Mayors and MAYCO Members for Human Settlements from all Municipalities across the Province. This engagement which forms part of Minister Simmers’ annual outreach programme, sought to amongst others ensure that municipal executives are empowered with relevant information around the various amendments that have recently occurred within the human settlements space, as well as who is being prioritised for a Fully State subsidised/Breaking New Ground (BNG) house.
Amongst others and particularly in the Affordable Housing space, these amendments included the revised Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) that is now called ‘Help me Buy a Home,’ and how more residents with a household income between R 3 501 – R 22 000 can access this subsidy. Previously, residents had to first obtain a mortgage before they could apply for this subsidy. However, since 1 April this has now been delinked, which means that it can be accessed through other sources of funding.
These include:
Housing loans granted or guaranteed by a pension and provident fund.
Unsecured housing loans from any registered lender.
Housing loans granted or guaranteed by cooperative- or community-based savings scheme or stokvels as they’re commonly known.
Housing loans supported by employer-based schemes.
The qualification criteria for Social Housing has also been slightly amended from R 1 500 – R 15 000 to a gross monthly income of R 1 850 – R 22 000. This now ensures that more residents are able to access an opportunity within the rental space since with this offer a beneficiary will never own the home. It is important to note that the rental payment in this option is 50% less than what is being charged within the market. The 50 Informal Settlements that have been identified for a variety of upgrade interventions through our Informal Settlements Upgrade Partnership Grant (ISUPG) were also highlighted. Pertaining to who could potentially qualify for a BNG unit, the criteria is:
– The elderly (60 years and older)
– Those living with a medically certified disability
– Those longest on the housing demand database (15 years and longer)
– Backyard dwellers (this is unique to the Western Cape)
– Military Veterans (Important to note that we only build the houses. The entire administration process is managed by the National Department of Military Veterans)
– Child-headed household (NB. Still awaiting clarity from the National Government)
It should be noted that these residents must be registered on the Housing Demand Database (HDD).
Minister Simmers said: “I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all municipal executive members for their robust engagement as it pertains to human settlements. Municipalities are a critical cog in the delivery of human settlements opportunities and being in partnership with them is key for us. The engagement proved to be fruitful and our municipal executives are now better placed to take human settlements forward in their respective municipal areas.”
Minister Simmers continued: “I’m now looking forward to further engaging Councils across the province so that all Councillors and relevant officials are equally empowered with the correct information. Human settlements is a concurrent function and the more we work together, the more we will be able to ensure the swift delivery of housing opportunities.”
Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers (right) with Ald. Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality.
Media Enquiries:
Marcellino Martin Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Media release: Western Cape Human Settlements opens Individual Subsidy Applications on 1 April 2022
For immediate release
29 March 2022
On 1 April, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements will open applications for its Individual Subsidy. Applications only open once a year, in April, and close as soon as the subsidy allocation limit has been reached. The Individual Subsidy is aimed at residents with a household income of between R0 and R3500, and allows one to: buy an existing house; buy a house on a plot-and-plan basis, or finish an incomplete house. The subsidy amount is just over R200,000 and is paid directly to a seller, conveyancer, financier or contractor, depending on the case. Successful applicants will receive this subsidy only once.
There are various housing subsides available from the Department that does not require citizens to wait for a government housing development in your area. Assistance provided via the Individual Subsidy allows residents to, for example, identify a house for sale for the subsidy amount, or use it as a top-up, to purchase a home. As there is a limited budget, assistance with this subsidy is only provided once a year and is allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Priority will be given to applicants who are elderly or have special needs (ie. disabled).
“The Individual Subsidy is one of the subsidy programmes that can assist Western Cape residents with a housing opportunity, without waiting for a specific government housing development to be built in an area. The subsidy can be used to purchase an existing house or to build a house on a vacant plot owned by the applicant” commented Ms Phila Mayisela, Acting Head of Department.
To qualify for this subsidy residents must :
Be registered on the housing demand database (ie. waiting list) at your nearest municipality;
Must have been on the housing database for a minimum period of 10 years in Cape Town, and 5 years in areas outside of Cape Town;
Be a South African citizen or have a permanent residency permit;
18 years or older;
Be married or living with a partner;
Be single or divorced, and have proven financial dependents living with you permanently;
Not have owned a property before;
Earn a monthly household income of R3500 or less, before deductions;
Not have received a housing subsidy from the government before.
Western Cape residents who are still on the waiting list, meet the qualification criteria, and are interested in applying for the Individual Subsidy, are urged to submit their applications from 01 April at the Department of Human Settlements offices in Cape Town. More information, including application forms, for this subsidy, can be found on the Department’s website.
Media Release: The GRDM Proudly Prepares Itself as a Provider of Sustainable Housing Opportunities
For Immediate Release 17 March 2022
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has now positioned itself to be a provider of affordable housing. This is in addition to the support role that it plays to the seven local municipalities, namely, Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.The GRDM has developed a Human Settlements Strategy, which will guide the development.
Four staff members have, to date, been appointed at the GRDM Human Settlements Division, with funding from the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements (WC DoHS). The most recent appointments were that of a Town Planner who will assist with Spatial Planning, Town Planning Authorities and Project Feasibilities and an Administration Officer who will concentrate on the Demand Data Base and Subsidy Administration.
In the near future GRDM will make announcements about the Affordable housing opportunities:
Social Rental Housing – for households whose monthly income is between R1501 and R15 000
Student accommodation
Finance Linked Individual Projects (FLISP) – This is an ownership program targeting potential beneficiaries whose monthly income is between R3501 and R22 000
Inclusionary Housing – This is a new ownership concept that encourages partnerships between the GRDM and various private developers, employers, etc.
Milestones achieved during the 2021/22 Financial year
Formulated an Integrated Human Settlements (IHS) Strategic Plan;
Established an organisational structure for the newly established Human Settlements Division;
Prepared a draft Municipal Accreditation Business Plan, which awaits final approval by both the Provincial and National Departments of Human Settlements;
Worked with the seven B-municipalities to ensure a coordinated and structured approach in dealing with the District Development Model;
Appointed a Social Housing partner, Own Haven, to develop Social Housing; and
Appointed an external consultant team to assist with the formal production of a Human Settlements Sector Plan which will show the program for the various projects.
More significantly, the GRDM Human Settlement Department has begun to align its functions with the Garden Route’s local municipalities in an attempt to meet the requirements of co-planning, co-budgeting and co– implementation.
Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA)
GRDM Human Settlements, in conjunction with Cape Peninsula University of Technology, are hosting two interns namely Messrs. Lubabalo Ketani and Loyolo Ndima.
Alignment to the District Development Model (DDM)/Joint Metro Development Approach (JMDA)
GRDM has been identified as one of the District Councils in South Africa where the District Development Model will be piloted.
The DDM approach will strengthen cooperation between the following stakeholders:
GRDM
Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland
WC DoHS
National Department of Human Settlements (N DoHS)
Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA)
Housing Development Agency (HDA)
SHRA Accredited Social Housing partners
Private developers
These relationships will enable the GRDM to plan, package, and implement projects in a coordinated manner.
Stakeholder involvement
Two weeks ago, the GRDM placed an invitation on all their media platforms, inviting interested members of the public to register on an affordable housing demand database. The housing demand database will assist Council with defining the extent to which it rolls out Affordable Housing.
A standard questionnaire, for those interested in Affordable Housing, is still available at the following locations:
At all local Human Settlements (Housing) offices of the seven B-municipalities in the district.
All the GRDM sub-offices in the region.
For any related enquiries, please direct them to the GRDM Human Settlements office representatives, namely Ms. Shehaam Sims, Mr. Luyolo Ndima or Mr. Lubabalo Nicholas Ketani at telephone 044 803 1454.
You have three options to obtain and submit the questionnaire.
Obtain and submit it at a Local Municipality
Obtain and submit it at any of the Garden Route District Municipality offices in the region
PUBLIC NOTICE: Demand Database information about Affordable Housing in the Garden Route District
For Immediate Release 25 February 2022
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently approved a new Integrated Human Settlements Strategic Plan which will guide its eventual implementation of its affordable housing typologies. This critically requires the determination and understanding of the level of demand and supply from members of the public located in the Garden Route District. In order to be able to do that, GRDM needs therefore to generate an updated demand database mechanism that will assist in preparing its Affordable Housing programmes and projects.
The housing demand database will assist Council with defining the types of Affordable Housing preferences, in line with the expressed interests of members of the public from the various communities within the District. Such interest should originate from all 7 B-municipalities (Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Kannaland and Oudtshoorn).
In line with the above, we have prepared a standard application form that those interested in Affordable Housing must complete. Forms are available through the following platforms, namely:
At all local Human Settlements (Housing) offices of the 7 B-municipalities in the district.
All the GRDM sub-offices in the region.
For any related enquiries, please direct them to the GRDM Human Settlements office representatives, namely Ms Shehaam Sims, Mr Luyolo Ndima and Mr Lubabalo Nicholas Ketani at telephone 044 803 1454.
You have three options to complete the application forms.
Submit it at a Local Municipality
Submit it at any of the Garden Route District Municipality offices in the region
E-mail a scanned copy of the forms to info@gardenroute.gov.za
