Latest news with #Mabaso

IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Mabaso calls on Joburg residents to safeguard RDP and social housing
The City of Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, has made a passionate appeal to residents benefiting from government-subsidised housing to protect and maintain their properties. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Media City of Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Mlungisi Mabaso, has lashed out at Joburg residents who are beneficiaries of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and social housing, to protect and care for their properties. Mabaso criticised South Africans who refuse to pay for government services and those who damage and disrupt infrastructure during a site handover ceremony at the Riverside View Social Housing project, located north of Johannesburg near Fourways. "We have thousands of our people who want to be accommodated. If we can't collect rent and services, we cannot build new spaces. Everyone needs to be accommodated, and I do not agree with the notion that we should only focus on the RDP social housing programme. We need various housing solutions to cater to the needs of everyone. "Some need to be fully subsidised, and some are first-time home owners who are in the GAP market. They must be accommodated. Everyone must be accommodated according to their circumstances, and those who are called on to pay for services must do so to ensure that we can provide services in the future," he stated. The GAP market consists of workers who do not qualify for a full bond. They are subsidised by the government to buy their first home. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading On the City of Joburg's decision to find alternative accommodation outside of the CBD, Mabaso said this has been a conscious decision which ensures that everyone benefits from government social housing initiatives, including those who stay far from the city centre. "What we ought to do is to account for every cent spent on implementing our project, as this is a moving target and taxpayers' money. We can't squeeze everyone in the inner city, which is why we have decided to implement these projects outside the inner city. Some do not want to reside in the inner city. There have been quite some developments outside the inner city, and all of those are performing very well," Mabaso stated. Mabaso, alongside speaker Rufus Maswazi and CoJ Speaker, Margaret Arnolds, and Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) representatives, commended the residents of Diepsloot for not plundering and destroying a range of social housing projects, which have been launched to ensure dignity to low- and middle-class income earners. Arnolds commended Joshco and its partners for ensuring dignity to those who need it the most, adding that not everyone in the city enjoys a dignified home due to the limited government funding, which is unable to deal with the human settlement challenges in real time. "It's a great honour to be here for this groundbreaking project. Human Settlement is not only about housing, but also addressing special planning that keeps our people on the periphery. We must work hard in translating policy into progress to ensure vision for housing for all is not spoken of but implemented and realised. "This is a powerful example of the city's commitment to bringing safety and dignity to our people. It is very important that we reach out and integrate our people into spaces such as this one," she said.


The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs lock in future star with long-term deal
Kaizer Chiefs have wasted no time in building for the future by offering a three-year contract to one of their brightest emerging stars, Thulani Mabaso. The 20-year-old midfielder impressed the technical team during the club's pre-season camp in the Netherlands, prompting swift action from the club's hierarchy. According to a well-placed source at Naturena, Amakhosi view Mabaso as a vital part of their long-term strategy. The club has handed him a deal that runs from July 2025 to June 2028, with an option to extend it until 2029. 'He is the one who could feature more this season amongst those recently promoted and they are believed to have offered him a three-year contract with a one-year option. He has done very well in the pre-season and all the involved parties are happy with what's going on regarding his contract,' the source stated. With Venezuelan midfielder Edson Castillo parting ways with the Glamour Boys, Chiefs have turned to their youth structures to fill the void. Thulani Mabaso, a defensive midfielder known for his composure and work rate, now appears to be the club's internal solution. The talented youngster played a key role for Chiefs' DStv Diski Challenge side. And steadily earned the trust of the senior team, often training alongside first-team regulars last season. His promotion now seems like a natural progression. Kaizer Chiefs' decision to reward Mabaso's growth with a long-term contract highlights their renewed commitment to promoting talent from within. With the club undergoing a reshuffle under new leadership, including head coach Nasreddine Nabi. The focus has clearly shifted toward youth development and squad rejuvenation. Expectations around Mabaso's integration into the senior setup remain high. Should he replicate his pre-season form in competitive matches. Chiefs fans may witness the emergence of a new midfield anchor at the heart of Amakhosi's engine room. Can the Kaizer Chiefs starlet Mabaso replace the likes of Castillo and Maart? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.


Eyewitness News
02-07-2025
- Eyewitness News
Fifth person added to four accused of July unrest instigators
JOHANNESBURG - A fifth person has been added to the case of the July 2021 unrest instigators. Joel Mabaso appeared at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court alongside four co-accused. They are all charged with conspiracy to incite public violence. It's alleged they were part of a WhatsApp group that circulated inflammatory messages that contributed to the unrest Mabaso was granted R1,500 bail. The State said its investigations are complete and it is ready to move forward with the case. The matter was postponed to 29 July 2025 for disclosure of the final charge sheet. Accused number three in this case, Bhekuyise Cebekhulu, was granted permission to tune into the case via video feed as he currently lives in KwaZulu-Natal. The presiding officer in the case has stated that the earliest trial date will likely be next year due to the court's busy schedule.


Daily Maverick
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Shelter or income generator — Risks and rewards of owning a property
In South Africa, keeping a roof over your head means more than just making monthly payments, it's about doing whatever it takes to hold onto the family's most valuable asset. Whether you're in a townhouse in a leafy suburb, or in a crowded taxi in a township, you probably know someone who's moved into a back room or a smaller flat so they can rent out their main home and keep up with the bond. 'The property is most probably the biggest asset you will ever own,' said Mfundo Mabaso, product head of FNB's home and structure business unit. For many South Africans, especially first-generation homeowners, a house is more than shelter; it's a symbol of progress and a vessel for generational wealth. But what happens when life throws a curveball and money gets tight? An all too common trend Mabaso has seen families 'vacate the main home and take residence in the garage to rent out the main home so that they can keep up with the repayment of the bond.' For them, losing the property is unthinkable. It's the last thing they're willing to give up. Two speeds of property investment Mass-market homeowners: These are often first-time buyers who see property ownership as a milestone and a way to build wealth. When financial pressures mount, these families might downsize within their own property – moving into smaller spaces like garages or back rooms – and rent out the main home to cover bond repayments. Affluent investors: Those with multiple properties who, when faced with economic challenges, tend to rent out their primary residences and downsize to smaller units. This strategy helps them maintain their investment portfolios and keep their long-term financial plans intact. Even if you're rich, you aren't immune to financial pressures. Mabaso explained that when wealthier families hit hard times, they often rent out their primary residence and downsize to something more manageable, all in a bid to hold onto their investment properties and keep their financial plans intact. The numbers behind the struggle This determination to hold onto property is riding a swell of a rising market. Property prices in South Africa are soaring, with the average residential price surpassing R1.6-million for the first time, and the annual growth rate in average residential prices now reaching 6.4%. Source: The Africanvestor Pieter Wessels, trustee of the PD Wessels Trust and owner of a Stellenbosch property, understands this well. 'Property like a house or flat is 'bricks and mortar'. You can see it,' he said. For Wessels, the appeal lies in leveraging a relatively small deposit into a significant investment, something much harder to achieve with shares or crypto. However, he quickly pointed out the risks. 'The less you pay, the easier it is to earn a better return in the form of rental. If you buy in a 'good' area, you might also get meaningful capital growth on your property apart from earning rental income.' Legal fees, transfer costs, and taxes on rental income are all part of the reality check for would-be investors. Security in a steady job While Wessels approaches property ownership from an investment perspective, others such as Thato Pheko, a high school teacher in the Free State, focus on the security that comes with steady employment. For Pheko, buying a house on a bond was about providing her children access to better schools near the city. 'I manage the payment with my salary,' she told Daily Maverick. Pheko feels insulated from major risk because she works for the government; a sector where, in her experience, sudden job losses are rare. 'I do not feel that there is much risk for me because I work for the government,' she said, confident that her employment stability will see her through the life of her bond. What this means for you Understand the full cost of property ownership: Beyond the purchase price, factor in legal fees, transfer costs, taxes on rental income, and ongoing maintenance; Plan for financial fluctuations: Job security and steady income can help, but unexpected challenges happen. Know your options, such as payment holidays or loan term extensions, and communicate early with your lender if you face difficulties; and Seek professional advice: Whether it's financial planning, tax implications, or legal matters, expert guidance can help you make informed decisions and protect your investment. When trouble strikes Financial stability can be fragile. Mabaso urged homeowners not to wait until it's too late. 'When you hit hard times, talk to your bank and that's the best thing that you can do for yourself.' Too often, he said, customers avoid the conversation, missing out on solutions such as payment holidays, interest-only periods or term extensions. If those options don't do the trick, banks may offer a 'quick-sell' process to protect your credit record before repossession becomes the only option. 'The execution or repossession of the properties is the action of last resort,' Mabaso said. By understanding the risks and rewards and knowing when and how to seek help, you can better navigate the complexities of the market and safeguard your home for the future. DM


The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Johannesburg officials ask RDP beneficiaries not to sell their new assets
Johannesburg officials were in Soweto this weekend, where many RDP housing recipients were unable to receive their title deeds. Housing officials in Johannesburg have advised Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing beneficiaries not to sell their homes. Beneficiaries in Braamfischerville received the title deeds to their new homes, but over 200 were held back by the city due to verification discrepancies. Officials were meant to hand over at least 260 title deeds this weekend, but only 25 could be properly issued due to improper sales. RDP houses sold It is illegal to sell RDP title deeds, and those currently being held by the city have been wrongfully purchased, creating a mismatch on the city's records. MMC for Human Settlements Mlungisi Mabaso and Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero were in the Soweto suburb this weekend to greet new housing recipients. Mabaso warned that selling RDP homes hampered the city's housing objectives and created administrative problems for officials. The government provides a house, and then it is sold to another person. This buyer subsequently approaches our office seeking a title deed, only to be informed that they are not recognised beneficiaries, leading to the refusal of title deed issuance,' Mabaso said. 'RDPs are not for sale. When you sell your RDP, you then return to informal settlements demanding a house, which cannot be realised as our system permits only a single benefit,' he added. Community members said some RDP homes were being sold to foreign nationals, leading Mabaso to stress that homes were intended to be a building block of economic stability. 'Invest in your properties' Mayor Morero reiterated that RDP homes served as assets that could be used to secure the future of the next generation. 'You can also have a will so that when you are no longer there, your children do not start fighting over your property,' he said. Braamfischerville has 11 extensions that are currently subject to RDP developments, with a further three in the process of township formalisation. Morero urged recipients to closely guard their title deeds and build their homes into beacons of community progress. 'When you all invest in your properties, it improves their value. On the day you want to leave Gauteng, you will leave your children with a beautiful home that they are proud of,' the mayor concluded. NOW READ: Joburg plans to ease housing crisis with mega projects and acquisitions