City of Joburg mayor, Dada Morero, MMC for human settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso and council speaker, Nobuhle Mthembu presided over the handing over ceremony at the Riverside View, Fourways on Wednesday. Picture: City of Joburg X account
In a heart-warming development, Linda Nhlabathi proudly steps into her new two-bedroom apartment at the Riverside View Johannesburg Social Housing Company’s (JOSCHO) third phase project in Fourways, just in time for the Christmas festivities.
Having anticipated this moment for years, Nhlabathi is eager to unwrap her new home and relishes the prospect of enjoying a peaceful holiday season surrounded by the comfort of her own space.
“The process was rather seamless and the approval was almost immediate,” she told The Star. “Having waited many years to benefit from the government’s social housing project, I really cannot wait to unwrap and enjoy myself in the comfort of my own home, because I consider this to be my own home. The best thing is that I will be saving a lot of my money, as rentals in this area are quite expensive,” she enthused.
The official unveiling ceremony on Wednesday saw the presence of City of Joburg Mayor Dada Morero, MMC for Human Settlements Mlungisi Mabaso, and Council Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu, who graciously handed over keys to Nhlabathi and other approved residents. This momentous occasion also attracted various city officials and stakeholders who celebrated the new era of affordable housing.
Mayor Morero emphasised the significance of the project, urging beneficiaries to maintain their homes diligently. “We are proud that we are able to afford our people dignity through projects such as this,” he remarked, highlighting that rental prices range from R1,200 to R2,500. “I think this is ground-breaking as it gives an opportunity to those that earn less and therefore it leaves a bit of disposable income for residents to afford family needs including groceries and school fees.”
Meanwhile, MMC Mabaso declared that over 1,000 families will benefit from this project, marking it as an exceptional festive gift from the government. “Today we are here to launch the third phase of the Riverside View social housing development. The first phase started in 2023, and over a period of two years, we have been able to complete all three phases, with the fourth phase underway,” he stated. “I am sure the residents will agree that they could not have received a better Christmas present than this.”
Acting COO for the social housing company, Puleng Mothebe, highlighted the project’s commitment to addressing housing challenges faced by city residents.
“The entire Riverside View development will eventually include 1,108 units across four phases. Construction for phase three started in October 2023 and was completed in September 2024 ahead of schedule. This achievement highlights JOSCHO’s commitment and focus on delivering efficient, timely, and high-quality housing to serve the city’s needs,” Mothebe explained.
The Star
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