PEP Clothing Workers Gets Housing 101

The Department of Human Settlements literally took its services to the people when they held an empowering “Help Desk” session with Pep Clothing (PEPCLO) industrial workers on Thursday 09 March 2016.

The session addressed generic questions that workers have when attempting to acquire a government housing subsidy or support. The initiative was well received by the workers who actively engaged by asking relevant questions. A leaflet carrying detailed information about the event was also distributed among the workers.

Myrtle Stuurman, Assistant Director, Office of the HOD, Managing Correspondence in the Human Settlement Department presented the informative talk. The talk forms part of PEPCLO’s wellness programme for the month of March to empower its employees to take charge of their personal circumstances and public resources to ensure financial wellbeing.

Some of the questions from the workers included:

• How do I know if my name is still on the waiting list?
• Can I register in more than one housing area?
• I have waited for several years on the waiting list, how much longer?
• How do I apply for and qualify for a housing subsidy?
• If I do not qualify for a housing subsidy, what is my other option?
• Since I registered on the housing list, I got divorced or separated. Do I still qualify for a council house?
• How do I transfer my mother/grandmother’s house to my own name?

Ms Stuurman enlightened the workers on the Department’s individual subsidy and finance linked individual subsidy programme (FLISP). She explained the individual subsidy can be utilised to buy an existing house, a house on a plot and plan basis or to finish an incomplete house. An individual must have been on the municipal housing demand database for a minimum period of 10 years. These individuals must have a monthly household income of R3 500. Priority is given to applicants over the age of 40 years and people with special needs.

FLISP assists an individual by providing a subsidy to reduce a home loan and therefore makes the monthly instalment lower. It assists qualifying households by providing a once-off down payment to those who have secured mortgage finance to acquire a residential property for the first time. FLISP targets households whose income ranges from R3 500 to R15 000.

Susan Lerwick, a social worker for PEPCLO said the company “was excited about the opportunity given to its workers and trusts it will be an empowering experience for all”.