By Charmaine Ndlela
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has urged beneficiaries of newly built government houses not to allow foreign-owned spaza shops to operate from their properties, saying housing developments should create economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Speaking during the handover of 105 completed homes at the Westonaria Borwa Mega Project on Wednesday, Lesufi said the provincial government wants new housing developments to become thriving communities where local residents benefit from business opportunities.
“When I give you a house, there won’t be any spaza shops belonging to someone coming from another country. Keep it like that,” he said.
Lesufi encouraged aspiring local entrepreneurs to make use of government funding available through the Department of Small Business Development to establish their own businesses.
“We have youth here, many youth. If you want to open a spaza shop, we have spaza shop funding. Approach a young person or go by yourself to the Department of Small Business and apply. It shouldn’t be a spaza shop for ‘my friend’,” he said.
Lesufi was joined by Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Tasneem Motara and Rand West City Executive Mayor Dennis Thabe as they handed over the houses to qualifying beneficiaries.
The housing handover forms part of the Gauteng government’s strategy to accelerate housing delivery, reduce the provincial housing backlog, provide secure tenure to qualifying beneficiaries and curb the unlawful occupation of completed developments.
Among those who received keys was 45-year-old Catherine De Jaar, who became emotional as she entered her new home for the first time.
For De Jaar, the house represents more than permanent accommodation. It marks the beginning of a new chapter built on safety, dignity and hope after years of waiting for a home.
Provincial officials said her experience reflects the impact of government housing programmes aimed at improving the lives of Gauteng residents.
Motara said the Westonaria Borwa Mega Project demonstrated how government-subsidised housing had evolved since the first RDP houses built after the advent of democracy.
“If I qualified, I would definitely stay here because these houses are not the old RDP houses of 1994. They have improved over time,” she said.
“The Premier likes to say we have built apartments, and I agree that we have built beautiful homes that restore dignity to our people.”
She said beneficiaries were receiving more than houses, as they were also becoming part of new communities.
“We have given you new neighbours, new friends, new children that you can look after, and new memories to create together,” Motara said.
The Westonaria Borwa Mega Project is one of several housing developments through which the Gauteng Provincial Government aims to expand access to adequate housing while creating sustainable human settlements across the province.
Government said every set of keys handed over represents hope, security and a renewed opportunity for families to build better futures.
