25 years of waiting ends with a home to call his own

For 58-year-old Sthembile Hamnca, receiving a newly built home through the Westonaria Borwa Mega Project in Gauteng’s West Rand has brought an end to more than 25 years of uncertainty.

Hamnca, who has lived in Bekkersdal for more than two decades, previously shared a home with his eight children and four grandchildren.

The family’s lack of secure and adequate housing had been a long-standing challenge, but Hamnca has now received one of 104 newly built homes delivered through the project.

“This will change my life because I now have my own house. My children will have a home, and even when I am no longer here, I will leave them with a home,” Hamnca said.

He described the handover as a relief after years of waiting.

“Those years of waiting have finally come to an end. It was not easy, but I am grateful to God, the government and the municipality,” he said.

For Hamnca, the property represents more than a place to live. He said it would provide security and stability for his children and grandchildren and serve as a legacy for his family.

Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Tasneem Motara congratulated Hamnca and the other beneficiaries and urged them to protect and maintain their homes.

Motara also warned beneficiaries against selling or renting out government-subsidised properties.

“This house is handed over to you by government to change the lives of your families. It is illegal to sell or rent out your government-subsidised house, only to return to an informal settlement. This is a form of generational wealth, and it should be protected and preserved for the generations that come after you,” she said.

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements said it remained committed to accelerating housing delivery and providing qualifying residents with secure and dignified homes.