30/10/2025
๐พ๐๐๐ผโโ๐๐ผโ๐ ๐๐ธโโ๐ โ๐๐น๐๐โ ๐ธ๐พ๐ธ๐โ๐๐ โ๐๐๐๐โ๐พ ๐โ๐ธ๐๐๐ผโ๐.
The Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs has issued a strong warning to the public to remain alert against an increasing number of housing scams preying on unsuspecting residents.
Fraudsters are reportedly posing as officials from the Department and using social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to deceive victims into paying money for fake government housing opportunities.
The Department has emphasised that no payments are required for government-subsidised housing. All legitimate applications are processed directly through the Provincial Department of Human Settlements or local municipalities. Any request for payment or promises of fast-tracked access to a government house should be regarded as fraudulent.
MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, Speed Mashilo, expressed his concern over the growing number of scams, describing them as an exploitation of the vulnerable.
โIt is heart-breaking to hear that vulnerable people are being exploited with false promises of housing opportunities. The only lawful way to access a government-subsidised house is to qualify after registering on the National Housing Needs Register (NHNR). This ensures fairness and prevents queue-jumping,โ said MEC Mashilo.
He further highlighted several red flags residents should watch for, including demands for money, claims of guaranteed houses, or offers of priority access. He urged residents to remain cautious and to familiarise themselves with these fraudulent tactics.
โThese scams disproportionately impact the most desperate and vulnerable people. Residents must stay vigilant and update their details on the NHNR to ensure the Department can contact them directly when they qualify for a house,โ he added.
To qualify for a government-subsidised house, applicants must:
* Be South African citizens,
* Be first-time homeowners, and
* Have a combined household income of less than R3,500 per month.
The Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring that housing allocation remains fair, transparent, and accessible to all deserving citizens.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities or verify any information directly with the Provincial Department of Human Settlements by calling 013 766 6088 or by visiting their local municipal offices.
Public cooperation remains crucial in the fight against fraudulent housing schemes and in ensuring that government housing benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries.
Issued by:
Communications Directorate Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs
Enquiries:
Freddy Ngobe
๐ 013 766 6014 / 082 859 4630
๐ง [email protected]
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