Parties put housing at centre of election battle

• Published date: 20 April 2024
• Author: Zolani Sinxo
• Publication title: Weekend Argus

The DA said it has delivered more than 6 100 FLISP houses, making the Western Cape the highest-performing province

“In 2022, we launched the only existing rent-to-buy project in South Africa, the Deferred Ownership project (MillPark Development) in Bredasdorp, Cape Agulhas. This programme targets prospective first-time home buyers with a monthly income between R3 501 and R22 000.

“Qualifying applicants rent a home for six to 36 months, during which they pay a monthly rent that includes a portion towards a deposit on the purchase price, improving their credit score and ability to qualify for finance. We plan to expand this programme to other municipalities,” said Tertuis Simmers, DA provincial leader.

He said their commitment extends beyond affordability. “We aim to deliver housing in safe and well-located areas. Projects like Maitland Mews, Bothasig, Conradie Park, and Goodwood Station developments exemplify this commitment. Conradie Phase 2 and the Goodwood station will yield an additional 1 383 units this year. Under the DA, 4 125 social housing units have been delivered, assisting 12 375 residents.”

Armien Albertyn, PMC’s spokesperson, accused the DA of promoting housing projects as a political agenda.

“The DA is aware that many people don’t qualify for such housing projects even though they are earning more than R3 000. What is the suggestion that the DA has for people who don’t qualify?” asked Albertyn.

Albertyn said the PMC advises a R600 per month rental system so that everyone can live in a house.

“We have Blikkiesdorp, where since 2010, the DA has been promising houses...