This follows a verification process by the ailing metro in September to establish those who live in the social housing units, initially intended for low-income earners.

The verification, conducted door-to-door, required tenants to provide extensive documentation, including identity documents, recent payslips, birth certificates of dependents, and other proof of income. 

During this process, city officials uncovered a range of unauthorised activities within the complex, including illegal businesses such as shebeens, unlicensed taverns, and a makeshift car wash using free water, a particularly concerning discovery given Mangaung’s high water loss rates. The city manager Sello More referred to the flats as a “crime dam” and highlighted the need to curb these illegal activities carried out at the Brandwag housing units.

Mangaung mayor, Gregory Nthatisi clarified that the metro is not pursuing blanket evictions, despite rumours spread by some “mischief makers” with personal agendas, including unlicensed landlords renting out rooms at inflated prices. 

“People are being told we’re evicting everyone, which is not true. The focus is on creating a safe environment for legal tenants who qualify for these units and rely on them,” he said.

Nthatisi also pointed to exploitation by some illegal landlords who have rented flats intended for low-income residents to students and others at exorbitant rates. While some units are supposed to be rented for as low as R1,200, the flats are reportedly being sublet for R5,000 to R7,000. Nthatisi criticised this as taking advantage of vulnerable individuals and said that the municipality aims to establish fair rental agreements directly with qualifying tenants.

The metro’s long-term goal is to keep the social housing units accessible to those with limited means, particularly those who cannot qualify for housing bonds but need stable housing. 

Nthatisi noted that tenants would be offered rates according to their income levels to help the Metro meet its financial obligations to the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), which financed the development of the flats. "We need rental income to pay SHRA back and ensure the units are sustainable," he said.

The mayor also assured that before any evictions take place, the metro, together with the government, will find alternative housing solutions for those unable to pay rent. This may include providing land where families can build homes or assisting with other social housing options.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi