318 Families Receive New Homes at Gauteng Housing Project

Addressing the gathering, Rand West Local Municipality Executive Mayor William Matsheke congratulated the new homeowners and encouraged them to protect and maintain their properties.

More than 318 families have received the keys to newly built homes at the Droogeheuwel Mega Project in Rand West Local Municipality, marking another step in Gauteng's efforts to expand access to housing and secure tenure. Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Tasneem Motara handed over the houses during a ceremony attended by community members and local leaders.

The handover forms part of the provincial government's commitment to speeding up housing delivery and improving living conditions for residents who have spent years waiting for permanent homes. Speaking to beneficiaries, Motara said the houses are intended to provide families with safety, stability and an opportunity to build a better future. She reminded residents that the properties are meant for beneficiaries and should not be used for rental or leasing purposes.

Homeownership Creates Opportunities for Future Generations

Addressing the gathering, Rand West Local Municipality Executive Mayor William Matsheke congratulated the new homeowners and encouraged them to protect and maintain their properties. He described homeownership as an important asset that can help create financial security and opportunities for future generations.

Matsheke also reaffirmed the municipality's commitment to providing essential services and social infrastructure alongside housing developments. Schools, clinics, police stations and early childhood development centres remain part of the broader plan to support growing communities and improve residents' quality of life.

The MEC stressed the importance of ensuring that government-funded houses are allocated to deserving beneficiaries. She noted that the department continues to strengthen its allocation processes and monitor housing projects to safeguard fairness and transparency.

A Dream Realised After Decades of Waiting

Motara urged residents to take pride in their new homes and highlighted the significant value of the properties being provided. She explained that similar homes in established suburbs could cost more than R1 million, making it important for owners to maintain their properties and contribute to clean, well-kept neighbourhoods.

Residents were also encouraged to pay for municipal services where possible. Those facing financial difficulties were advised to register for the municipality's indigent support programme to access available assistance. For many beneficiaries, the handover marked the end of a very long journey. One of the new homeowners, 56-year-old Nompumelelo Mofokeng, shared her excitement after finally receiving a house nearly three decades after applying.

"I am extremely excited because I was beginning to lose hope after applying for a house in 1996. Today, my children and I finally have a place we can call home," she said. Her story reflects the significance of the project for hundreds of families who now have a permanent place to live and the opportunity to build a more secure future.