FLTR: Aldine Kleynhans (ASLA), Sharlene Malgas, Louis Botha (ASLA), Lauren Jones – Manager Human Settlements, Christine Muller, Maria Spires & Mayor Allers – Infront – Clive Spires
Oudtshoorn, 27 May 2025 – The Executive Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn, Alderman Johan Allers, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Alderman Mziwoxolo Tyatya and Portfolio Councillor for Human Settlements, Councillor Christine Muller, officially handed over 24 newly built homes to beneficiaries in Dysselsdorp on Thursday, 22 May 2025.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Allers said: “This handover marks the conclusion of this development phase, which aimed to give people dignity by providing them with decent homes. The next phase could see the allocation of serviced plots to beneficiaries, paving the way for future construction. Our goal is to see new housing developments emerge across the Greater Oudtshoorn within the next five years.”
“I want to sincerely thank the Department of Human Settlements, our implementing agent ASLA, and the Western Cape Government for their continued commitment and partnership. Without their support and hard work, this housing project would not have been possible,” said Mayor Allers
The Portfolio Councillor for Human Settlements, Cllr Muller, encouraged responsible ownership, saying, “And please remember that running a business from your property may affect your eligibility for indigent support.”
The Dysselsdorp Housing Project was launched in October 2021 by the then Provincial Minister of Human Settlements, Minister Tertuis Simmers, and is the first large-scale housing development in the community in over 26 years. With an overall budget of R130 million, the project aimed to deliver 522 housing opportunities upon completion.
Throughout the Dysselsdorp Housing Project, significant progress has been made to uplift the community through inclusive housing delivery. As part of earlier phases, homes have been handed over to elderly beneficiaries, ensuring they enjoy comfort and safety in their later years. The project has also prioritised accessibility, with several houses specifically designed to meet the needs of persons living with disabilities, featuring modifications such as wheelchair-accessible kitchens and bathrooms.
In a further effort to provide long-term security, a large group of beneficiaries, including those with special needs, received official title deeds confirming legal ownership of their homes. This project shows the municipality and province’s shared commitment to strengthening home security and restoring dignity to residents.
Since its inception in October 2021, the Dysselsdorp Housing Project has delivered a total of 483 houses and 39 serviced plots over three financial years. This project not only provided much-needed housing but also supports job creation and local economic growth through its various construction phases.