First 31 beneficiaries in Zwelihle, Hermanus now live in dignity

Today, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers ensured that the first 31 qualifying beneficiaries of the Swartdam Road site C1 housing project in  Zwelihle, Hermanus, could move into their brand-new homes.

This project forms part of the Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP), and upon completion within the next few weeks, will in total yield 150 top structures. Construction commenced in February 2021 with an allocated budget of just over R 20 million. 

Minister Simmers said: “Handing over these units to residents who have been waiting for between 16 and 23 years brought me immense joy. These are the beneficiaries whom we prioritise, as they’ve been patiently waiting for more than 15 years. I’m pleased that I could assist in ensuring that they now live in a safer, improved and dignified manner.”

Mr Abe Goniwe (62) who has been on the housing waiting list for 21 years was and whose wife has passed on said: “Today is bittersweet for me as I wish my wife could be here to share in this wonderful moment. I do miss my wife dearly. I am happy and grateful as this means the world to me. I’ve waited very long, but now I finally have my home, and I would like to thank the Minister and the Western Cape Government for giving this home. My wish is that they do the same for others.” 

While addressing the residents, Minister Simmers further said: “I call on all community members to not allow themselves to be misled by scrupulous characters who is seeking to fraudulently access housing opportunities and making promises that they will assist community members to obtain a house. This is completely false. As a starting point you have to register your housing need at your local municipality and follow due process before you will be assisted. Community members should also report those who are engaging in these fraudulent activities to their municipality, so that they may face the full might of the law.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlements delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.”