Doreen Mokgolo
As long ago as 2005, a group of about 600 people first took it upon themselves to become homeowners.
Tired of being shack dwellers and backroom renters, they created the Putfontein Association, which raises funds to build housing for its members.
They identified a vacant plot of land in Putfontein near Davyton, Ekurhuleni that was on the market and made an offer. They contributed between R500 and R1,000 each to buy the land, but it proved to be too small.
They agreed to trade it for 43 hectares of land in Geluksdal, where they plan to occupy over 800 stands.
Association secretary Solly Sibiya explained that the group’s plan is finally coming into fruition after years of waiting.
“We are waiting for the stands to be divided formally,” he said.
“We were happy when the land surveyors gave us the thumbs up that the land was safe for us to occupy and finally received the title deed,” he said.
Association member Tshepo Obusitse said they are in talks with the Ekurhuleni Metro about the installation of services.
“We need water, electricity, sewerage facilities, roads and schools before our members can move in,” he said.
“Government leaders have confirmed that if we have land they will provide services.”
Standing on the open land with tears clouding her eyes, Khezie Sinne said that this is a dream come true.
“My mother has been waiting for her RDP since 2001, and now we are finally going to own a piece of land that we can call home,” she said.
