The deadline for applications for homes in the first phase of the N2 Gateway development has been extended because of the large number of people wanting to apply.
Applications were to have closed on Monday before the housing and local government department began vetting them and allocating the units.
"Because of (the large number of) people wanting to get their applications in at the last minute, the MEC decided to extend the deadline to Friday," Vusi Tshose, spokesperson for Western Cape MEC for Local Government and Housing Richard Dyantyi.
While remaining tight-lipped about what the allocations process would entail, he said Dyantyi hoped to complete it "as soon as possible... We want to get the N2 Gateway Phase One behind us," said Tshose.
He could not provide a timeline, however. The first phase comprises 705 rental units.
Tshose said it was "difficult" to say how many applications had been received, but judging from the number of telephone calls, there was strong interest.
Tshose said the picture was likely to be clearer today.
The department called last week for applications and 60 community development workers were deployed to distribute application forms.
People living in shacks or backyard accommodation in Langa, Gugulethu, Bonteheuwel, Joe Slovo, Bokmakierie and Nyanga were invited to apply.
Tshose said that among the criteria for applicants was that they should be South African citizens, older than 21 years and have "some form of income".
Meanwhile, the Gugulethu Backyard Dwellers' Association says it is to go ahead with plans to stage a protest on Friday.
The protest would be against the criteria for applicants for N2 Gateway homes as they excluded the unemployed, association chairperson Mncedisi Twalo said.
The association hoped to hand housing officials a memorandum outlining their grievances, he said.
Chief of these was that people had to have a basic income to qualify to apply - a requirement that ruled out most residents.
"(The government is) playing its cards close to its chest," Twalo said.
"Our people are not part of the decision-making process about issues taking place in their area. We are demanding houses for everyone. There needs to be a system of consultation and engagement."
Tshose said, however, that the association's grievances were not valid as the units being advertised were for rental only. Also, these homes were in what was only the first phase of the N2 Gateway project.
Affordable housing and government-subsidised homes were under construction, he said.
These are being built in Joe Slovo Phase Two, which was to comprise 1 000 houses, New Rest (1 154), Boystown (1 500), Delft Symphony (6 240 houses and 600 rental units) and Delft Towns (4 500 houses and about 800 rental units).
"A rental unit means a person will have to pay," Tshose said.
"This is only one section of the N2 Gateway, so the statement that the unemployed are not being provided for is incorrect. There will be a variety of options for people." - Cape Times
Applications were to have closed on Monday before the housing and local government department began vetting them and allocating the units.
"Because of (the large number of) people wanting to get their applications in at the last minute, the MEC decided to extend the deadline to Friday," Vusi Tshose, spokesperson for Western Cape MEC for Local Government and Housing Richard Dyantyi.
While remaining tight-lipped about what the allocations process would entail, he said Dyantyi hoped to complete it "as soon as possible... We want to get the N2 Gateway Phase One behind us," said Tshose.
He could not provide a timeline, however. The first phase comprises 705 rental units.
Tshose said it was "difficult" to say how many applications had been received, but judging from the number of telephone calls, there was strong interest.
Tshose said the picture was likely to be clearer today.
The department called last week for applications and 60 community development workers were deployed to distribute application forms.
People living in shacks or backyard accommodation in Langa, Gugulethu, Bonteheuwel, Joe Slovo, Bokmakierie and Nyanga were invited to apply.
Tshose said that among the criteria for applicants was that they should be South African citizens, older than 21 years and have "some form of income".
Meanwhile, the Gugulethu Backyard Dwellers' Association says it is to go ahead with plans to stage a protest on Friday.
The protest would be against the criteria for applicants for N2 Gateway homes as they excluded the unemployed, association chairperson Mncedisi Twalo said.
The association hoped to hand housing officials a memorandum outlining their grievances, he said.
Chief of these was that people had to have a basic income to qualify to apply - a requirement that ruled out most residents.
"(The government is) playing its cards close to its chest," Twalo said.
"Our people are not part of the decision-making process about issues taking place in their area. We are demanding houses for everyone. There needs to be a system of consultation and engagement."
Tshose said, however, that the association's grievances were not valid as the units being advertised were for rental only. Also, these homes were in what was only the first phase of the N2 Gateway project.
Affordable housing and government-subsidised homes were under construction, he said.
These are being built in Joe Slovo Phase Two, which was to comprise 1 000 houses, New Rest (1 154), Boystown (1 500), Delft Symphony (6 240 houses and 600 rental units) and Delft Towns (4 500 houses and about 800 rental units).
"A rental unit means a person will have to pay," Tshose said.
"This is only one section of the N2 Gateway, so the statement that the unemployed are not being provided for is incorrect. There will be a variety of options for people." - Cape Times
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