Jabulile Mbatha 25 February 2025 | 15:45

Soweto residents cite corruption as biggest thorn in housing crisis

MMC Mlungisi Mabaso took down all the details of those who raised their hands to speak on individual issues.

Soweto residents cite corruption as biggest thorn in housing crisis

FILE: In the context of extensive human suffering and spatial injustice caused by the more than 350 years of apartheid colonialism, it would seem unlikely that a mere 30 years is enough time. Picture: AFP

JOHANNESBURG - The Orlando community in Soweto has cited corruption as the biggest thorn in its back during a public engagement program by the Human Settlements Department on Tuesday.

While MMC Mlunigisi Mabaso planned to address residents and educate them on housing matters, however, the angry crown disrupted proceedings by only demanding him to urgently allocate them houses.

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Mabaso took down all the details of those who raised their hands to speak on individual issues.

He said the most common concerns raised include corruption, the allocation of RDP houses for 1996 applicants, and transparency of processes.

He outlined his department's priorities.

"We are instituting investigations because we want to arrest these criminals and corrupt elements happening in our system because that's the only way we can clamp down on these elements, and I've urged the residents to work with us."

The MMC said he wants to ensure that houses are allocated to the correct owners.