Minister Simmers to handover First Home Finance homes and launch Rental Housing Information Office in Bitou

On Monday, 23 February 2026, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers will be in the Bitou Municipality to officially launch a satellite Rental Housing Information Office and handover First Home Finance homes to beneficiaries of the Ebenhaezer housing project. The Department of Infrastructure will also host a Services & Opportunities Fair.

The new Rental Housing Information Office forms part of the Province’s programme to decentralise Rental Housing Tribunal services, bringing free rental advice and dispute resolution support closer to local communities.

The Services and Opportunities Fair brings government services directly to residents. The Fair will provide information on skills development, bursaries, contractor support, EPWP opportunities, and will include a dedicated Housing Verification Desk to assist residents with updating and confirming their housing application details.

The Ebenhaezer housing project forms part of a larger development aimed at expanding access to affordable homeownership for working families, while driving local economic growth and job creation.

Rental Housing Information Office launch
Date: Monday, 23 February 2026
Time: 09:00 – 10:00
Location: Council Chambers, Bitou Municipal Buildings, Plettenberg Bay

Services & Opportunities Fair
Date: Monday, 23 February 2026
Time: 10:00 – 15:00 (Opening: 10:00 - 11:30)
Location: New Horizons Community Hall, New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay

First Home Finance housing handover
Date: Monday, 23 February 2026
Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Location: Ebenhaezer, Plettenberg Bay

There will be opportunities for photos and interviews. Any media wishing to attend are kindly asked to RSVP to Melchior.Botes@westerncape.gov.za. 

Media Enquiries
Melt Botes
Spokesperson for Provincial Minister Tertuis Simmers
Cell: 082 431 0068
Email: Melchior.Botes@westerncape.gov.za