The Department of Human Settlements (DHS) warns members of the public about various fake WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages created by scammers to lure money from the public.

These scammers claim to provide the public with assistance to apply for Government-subsidized houses.

The public is encouraged to be alert and to refrain from engaging with suspicious fake social media pages.

The Department reiterates that the applications for RDPs/BNGs can only be done at the Provincial Departments of Human Settlements and municipalities, and no organization is mandated to facilitate this on behalf of the government.

The qualification criteria for a fully subsidized government house includes amongst others that a person must be a South African citizen, be a first time homeowner and earn a combined household income of less than R3501.00 per month. It is important to note that government does assist those who do not qualify for RDPs/BNGs through other subsidies such as the Financed Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP). The latter benefit mainly those who are in the “missing middle” (people who earn too much to qualify for an RDP or BNG house and too little to qualify for a bond).

Members of the public are encouraged to always verify suspicious BNG/RDP social media accounts with the department or municipalities or call directly the National Department of Human Settlements on 0800 146 873 or send an email to info@dhs.gov.za.

Enquiries: Gwen Shole, Acting Head of Communications on 082 859 0509
Issued by the Department of Human Settlements
Dr. Ruth Mompati Building
260 Justice Mahomed Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001