Johannesburg: Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has handed over some 197 housing units to beneficiaries at the Jabulani Parcel K Mega Project in Soweto.

According to South African Government News Agency, these 197 homes are part of an endeavor to construct a total of 704 units. The Department of Human Settlements announced that this project is a component of their strategy to address legacy housing development issues, expedite the allocation of finished homes, and prevent illegal occupation.

The Minister highlighted challenges related to electricity connections, noting that beneficiaries could only move in once these utilities were in place. “It’s a mixed development use which will ultimately be accommodating close to 2400, including social housing and first home financing. We have done a demonstration with about eight families,” she stated. The Minister praised the efforts of the contractor, who continues to work on the remaining blocks, expressing hope that these homes would bring comfort, dignity, and security to their new owners.

Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Tasneem Motara, expressed gratitude towards the beneficiaries for their patience. She emphasized the importance of electrification before occupation and acknowledged the lengthy process from planning to allocation. Motara reminded the new homeowners that they are not allowed to rent or sell these homes, stressing the legal implications of such actions and underscoring the intention of making beneficiaries true homeowners.