The mayor of the Musina Local Municipality, Cllr Mihloti Muhlope, said she was happy with the way in which local community members were turning up to register themselves on the housing list after the municipality’s urban area was allocated 1 000 houses by the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA).

She recently addressed hundreds of jubilant community members during a mayoral imbizo that was held at the sports grounds of Renaissance School in Ward 5. The registration started on 7 March at Nancefield Community Hall and closed on 18 March.

According to her, the Freedom Charter states that "there shall be houses, security and comfort," adding that it is a true reflection that the government is working hard to make sure that people are enjoying the fruit of their freedom. "We are happy that this housing allocation will go a long way in addressing the shortage of housing in Musina."

She said that after the registration process, all documentation would be sent to CoGHSTA for evaluation. Successful applicants will be informed at a later stage. "Let me put it on record that registering your names does not necessarily mean that you will get a house. It is the prerogative of CoGHSTA to identify beneficiaries."  

Muhlope also used the imbizo to give a service delivery summary in Ward 5. She mentioned the completion of a satellite municipal office at a cost of R1,2 million. The project consists of offices, fence, parking area and ablution facilities. She requested residents in the area to visit the offices to access services, instead of using transport to go the main office in town.

She said that they had also completed and handed over new market stalls. These were constructed at a cost of R1,2 million. "The stalls will play a meaningful role in promoting local economic development," she added.”