Sexwale unveils R300 million Free State housing project

The project is a partnership between government and the private sector, in response to the minister's call for more involvement from those outside government.

Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale on Wednesday unveiled a R300 million high-rise housing project in Welkom, Free State. 

The project is a partnership between government and the private sector, in response to the minister's call for more involvement from those outside government. 

“This is a quality project that ensures that we give our people homes and thereby ensuring them a great future. 

“We have always called for more partnerships and it is wonderful to see big corporates like Harmony coming to the party,” said Sexwale. 

The Masimong project consists of 461 units; 110 of them have already been completed and are targeted at the mine workers and residents of Masimong.

“In the past, accommodation for mine workers was inhumane - we want to bring dignity to the people and provide families with quality accommodation closer to where they work,” said the minister.

Accompanying Sexwale was Harmony Gold chairperson Patrice Motsepe, who expressed his excitement in partnering with government to build homes for South Africans.

“No company or firm exists in a vacuum. We are all part of the bigger picture and if our people are not taken care of by us together with government, we will all sink. Business has no future if the workers do not have proper human settlements,” said Motsepe.

The project has a recreational center, banks, church, creche, media centre, paraplegic workshop and places where people can do their shopping. The project has created more than 3 000 jobs.

Free State Human Settlements MEC Sarah Mlamleli said: “We will look after this project and I am calling on the community to guard this jealously. This is ours and we should be proud of it.”

The units are divided into bachelors, one-bedroom, two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms. The rental cost will range from R500 to R1 200 per month. The project is expected to be completed in November.