Cape Town News

Special Award

On 12 October 2010 SOHCO was the proud recipient of The Southern African Housing Foundation (SAHF) award for the Steen Villa Project as the;

SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2010

The award was accepted by Adre Bartis (SOHCO - Cape Town) at the SAHF annual dinner in Cape Town. See photo. This is a prestigious award for the entire project team and SOHCO congratulates all those involved.

New Tenants – March/April 2010

The new Steen Villa complex is in the first phase of handing over units to new tenants. This is an exiting time for all and by the end of April there should be about 80 families in new homes. Adre and her team have successfully placed the new tenants in there units following an application and approval process. The feedback so far from the tenants has been extremely positive. See the report in the Argus.

East London News

Presidential Visit – Emerald Sky

On 19 June 2010 SOHCO had the privilege of hosting President Zuma, Minister Tokyo Sexwale and other dignitaries at the launch of Emerald Sky in East London. The event was a huge boost for Social Housing with President Zuma singling out Emerald Sky as a blueprint for other housing programmes around the country. The launch included President Zuma handing over keys to new tenants as well as making a speech to approximately 1000 tenants and invited guests. The launch was a huge success and a compliment to SOHCO's management in the Eastern Cape. See the photos of the event.

Durban News

By-Passing Electrical Meters – April 2010 

Durban Metro has discovered tenants by-passing their electrical meters to avoid paying for electricity. In these cases, all costs to re-establish connections and any other costs and fines are passed onto the tenant. This is an extremely dangerous practice that is easily detected by Durban Metro.

Water Meters – March/April 2010

SOHCO has begun the process of closing off water accounts held with Durban Metro. Tenants have been notified to open their own accounts and pay directly to Durban Metro. This will alleviate confusion about added charges indicated on monthly statements.   

Evictions – March 2010

SOHCO began the painful process of evicting non paying tenants in March. This process was as a result of lengthy court hearings and all due legal process. Unfortunately many tenants decided that although they have a signed lease, they would stop paying rent in defiance of all legal obligations. Sadly these people will lose their homes and be black listed. This process is ongoing as the Social Housing system cannot survive without income to maintain buildings and provide security to law abiding tenants.

Rental Tribunal - December 2009

A group of tenants from the River View complex took their complaints to the rental tribunal at the end of 2009. When the ruling was announced late in December it stated that no unfair practice could be found in the way SOHCO conducted themselves, and the complaint was dismissed.