Let’s pay our way: Rental payments boost safety, dignity in public housing
19 May 2024
The City, as one of the largest landlords in South Africa with more than 45 000 rental units for affordable housing, is dependent on rental income to create safer and more dignified public housing spaces. The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim, today visited some of the City’s best tenants, senior citizens, to highlight their valued contribution and the example they set to the rental community.
‘I am so honoured to have met two of our top tenants Mrs Margaret Manuel from Lotus River and Mrs Gabiba van Harte from Parkwood. Our senior tenants are some of our best tenants and set the example for our other tenants. And I want to add that they also face daily challenges and financial pressures, but they show us that there should be no excuse for not paying one’s rent.
‘We’re one of the largest landlords in South Africa with more than 45 000 highly subsidised rental units offering affordable housing for more than 200 000 residents, but we are absolutely dependent on rental income to create safer and more dignified public housing spaces.
‘As part of our focus on public housing, we are looking at mega boost investments of more than R1,2 billion over the next few years; greater safety interventions and also to up rental payments because this is crucial for maintenance. Help us to create safer, more dignified public housing spaces.
‘There are so many City tenants who, even though they have the money, refuse to pay their rent and many units are unlawfully occupied, which robs us of the rental income so that we can use that for maintenance. There are even more residents who would gladly pay just to have a roof over their heads. If tenants can’t pay due to financial problems, we can make a plan. Come and talk to our housing office staff. The debt will not go away by itself and we offer comprehensive debt relief services. Let’s pay our way,’ said Councillor Pophaim.
Why the City needs lawful tenants and rental income
The rental income that the City collects is used to maintain its rental stock, but low levels of rental payment, unlawful occupation of units and the large number of units that the City manages present a challenge.
The City therefore categorises different types of maintenance issues according to importance:
- Very high to high priority: Emergency, structural, health and safety, and electrical repairs
- Medium- to low-priority issues: include the repair of windows, ceilings, internal doors, locks and toilet seat replacements. Those who pay will be helped first with low- to medium-level repairs. By far the most service requests received are related to theft and vandalism at the rental units.
If you see something, say something
Report crime and unlawful occupation to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
