​The City spent approximately R34,2 million on the Morningstar project where 166 Breaking New Ground (BNG) State-subsidised houses were constructed and have been ready for handover to its beneficiaries since September 2018. Their move in was delayed due to the Morningstar Development and Upliftment Initiative (MDUI) attempting to prevent the handover and challenging the allocation process. This matter followed due court processes and negotiations were successful as both parties came to an amicable settlement in October 2020. The settlement has been made an order of the court today, 13 November 2020.

The selection of beneficiaries for housing projects is done in accordance with the City’s Allocation Policy and the City’s Housing Needs Register to ensure that housing opportunities are allocated to qualifying beneficiaries in a fair and equitable manner that prevents queue-jumping. The beneficiary target areas are determined in consultation with the community’s representatives, and submitted to a Housing Allocation Committee for approval.

Since the project’s completion, the City has spent R149 500 monthly on private security to ensure Morningstar was not unlawfully occupied.

‘We are pleased to see this process completed so our beneficiaries are able to move into their new homes. Beneficiaries of this housing project are among some of the most vulnerable in Cape Town.

‘We always want to see our projects being successfully completed and our qualifying beneficiaries move into their new homes. Community cooperation and support is absolutely key to completing projects within the fastest practical time possible.

‘It is in the City’s interest to roll out projects timeously and without delay. There are certain practical and legislative processes that must be followed, as was the case here. The City has experienced project teams who are committed and are able to execute projects in the fastest time possible, meeting all requirements. The City thanks the project teams for the hard work and dedication in helping us provide homes to these beneficiaries who have been waiting patiently for their new homes. We remain committed to handing over new housing opportunities to beneficiaries in areas across the metro to create opportunities for them and to enable redress,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Malusi Booi.

Unlawful occupation: Anonymous tip-offs welcomed:

Residents can give anonymous tip offs if they are aware of illegal activity that is taking place; that has happened or is still to happen. Please call 112 from a cell phone (toll free) and 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 for emergencies.