Council has approved the commencement of the public participation processes for the transfer of land parcels in Parow East for the development of social housing units. In total, the land parcels are 4 000m2 in size. Members of the public are encouraged to comment. Public input and partnerships are key thrusts of social housing developments in the metro.

It is envisaged that the subject property in consolidation with other vacant erven in its proximity will be transferred to a suitably qualified purchaser, in alignment with the Social Housing Act 16 of 2008, Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations R.878 (2008) and other relevant policies and regulations after obtaining necessary approvals.

All necessary public participation and due processes will be followed.

‘The City is making good progress with its social housing projects in the metro and these properties, which are along the Voortrekker Road Corridor are ideal for the development of much needed affordable housing opportunities for residents. We therefore encourage residents to make use of the opportunity to comment on the City’s plans for this area.

‘We are working hard and we are making progress to enable affordable housing opportunities housing for residents. We urge residents to share their comments with us in respect to the proposed property by contacting the Human Settlements Directorate,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.

The City’s recently launched Land Release Programme is a priority programme of Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. In building Cape Town as a City of Hope, the land release programme aims to unlock and drive the potential for a large-scale public private sector social housing programme.

It focuses on:

1. A more fluid and rapid pipeline of land release for social housing

2. Identifying large mixed-use sites for private sector development

3. Unlocking the massive potential of micro-developers

4. Developing an enabling environment to accelerate land release

Facts about social housing:

• It is managed by accredited social housing institutions (SHIs).

• SHIs are solely dependent on rental income. They receive no operational grants. They are able to service their debt finance through rental income.

• As with any rental contract, tenants formally enter into lease agreements. The landlord is the SHI.

• If tenants do not adhere to their lease agreements, the responsible SHI will follow the necessary legal process. Tenants must therefore pay to stay as the rental money is used for the day-to-day operation and upkeep of the complex.

• The City has nothing to do with the day-to-day management of SHIs, the rental amount or evictions for not paying.

• Before potential beneficiaries can apply for social housing, they are required to register on the City's Housing Needs Register.

• Projects are developed on well-located, accessible land in and near urban centres.

• It is not low-income subsidised government housing, such as Breaking New Ground (or the commonly called RDP housing and it is not City Council Rental Units).

• It is managed with 24-hour security and access control.

• The City may sell City-owned land at a discounted price for social housing developments to make projects economically viable.

• Social housing offers improved access to social facilities and other amenities.

• A single grant subsidy can benefit on average five households versus one household for Council rental units.

• Social housing adds value to vacant pieces of land.

• Social housing has the potential to improve property values in an area.

Source: City Of Cape Town