Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has launched a national campaign to celebrate 4.3 million houses and housing opportunities being delivered
since the dawn of democracy.
The campaign celebrates an achievement which has seen more than 20 million people getting a roof over their heads. The launch was held at Cosmo City Multipurpose Complex in Johannesburg. It coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Cosmo City Integrated Mixed Development Programme, which has resulted in the completion of 12,500 mixed income houses and 70 000 families moving into the area.
Today, the community of Cosmo City has its own schools, clinic, shopping mall, library and a fire station that is currently under construction, with its completion expected in December this year.
Minister Sisulu said the delivery of 4.3 million houses and housing opportunities is a real milestone in a country where there is great need. She said this is in keeping with the promise of the Freedom Charter to provide housing for the people.
“We chose Cosmo City to launch the celebration campaign because Cosmo City is representative of what the human settlements should be,” said Minister Sisulu.
Cosmo City is part of a range of initiatives the department has undertaken since 2004. Other projects include the N2 Gateway housing project in Cape Town and Cornubia in Durban.
The breakdown of the 4.3 million housing opportunities includes 2.8 million RDP and BNG [Breaking New Ground] houses, 986 000 serviced sites, 360 000 Enhanced Extended Discount Benefit Scheme, 68 640 Community Residential Units, 121 000 social housing and 6 000 finance linked houses.
