Unsuspecting people desperate to own RDP houses have been warned of a social media scam perpetrated by an organisation identified as RCG, posing as a government agency charged with addressing issues related to low-cost houses and land rights.
City of Tshwane Human Settlements MMC Ofentse Madzebatela said people must guard against a circulating video clip on social media posted by the agency in question.
“We want to tell the residents of Tshwane and in the country that we are in no way associated with this organisation called RCG in any form,” he said.
None of the three spheres of governments –local, provincial and national levels – were in partnership with the unscrupulous organisation, he said.
“We are, therefore, urging residents to stay clear of this,” he said.
According to Madzebatela, the group purported to be behind clip were inciting land invasion.
He called out the organisation for “engaging in criminal activities by virtue of pushing people to invade land”.
He cited an example of a land in Danville, Pretoria West, where the City is currently seeking demolition and eviction of structures illegally erected.
Last week the City embarked on a process of auditing structures illegally built at the premises before May 15 on Danville Farm 599-JR, following a recent high court ruling obtained by the municipality.
Divisional head at group property department, Thabiso Hlongwane, said during the audit: “On August 1, the City obtained an interdict order prohibiting any construction of structures on the property as well as any occupation of the property.”
He said the court has ordered the City to undertake an inspection on the illegally built structures with a view to determine the ones that are occupied, complete or incomplete.
Following the audit, the City prepared a report for the court with a hope to getting a favourable verdict to evict illegal dwellers.
Madzebatela pleaded with those with housing needs to approach the City, “and we will be able to provide answers for you; whether you are on the (housing) waiting list and whether you want to be on the waiting list”.
“We even have affordable rental for you to be able to rent, if you are a migrant worker that is coming to the City to find opportunities,” he said.
He said the City will be building more social housing in Chantelle, Sunnyside, as well as Timberlands.
Chantelle and Timberlands projects are set to benefit Tshwane residents with at least 600 and 607 housing units, respectively.
The Chantelle project is still under construction despite the fact that the JBP Group tasked with the construction of the development said they were given 24 months to complete the project after it was unveiled in 2022.
Madzebatela urged communities to work with the government in its endeavour to roll out housing opportunities in the City.
“Do not find yourself being pulled into criminal activities. Reject these organisations, come to the City; we are the City of Tshwane, the city that is working for all its people,” he said.
Pretoria News
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za