The government has launched a housing assistance programme for victims of apartheid, with Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi announcing the reparations scheme at a press conference on Tuesday, 7 April.
The programme provides housing grants of up to R183 257 per household to people identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as victims of gross human rights violations during apartheid.
R650 million budget allocated
The government has set aside R650 million for the housing reparations, which are funded through the President’s Fund. Victims can choose between a once-off housing grant or the construction of a new house.
So far 941 people have applied for housing assistance nationwide, with 220 applications verified. All verified applicants have chosen the cash grant option.
In Ndwedwe alone 476 people are expected to receive grants totalling R87 230 332. The government has already paid out R20 891 298 to 114 beneficiaries in the area, with payments to 220 verified recipients expected to reach R40 316 540.
Healing wounds of the past
Speaking at the launch, Kubayi said the programme was part of broader efforts to bring justice and dignity to apartheid victims.
“We are here today because the strength and resilience of the human spirit triumphed over evil. Living together in peace meant that we need to work together to find ways bringing justice, dignity and reparations to the victims of apartheid.”
The housing regulations were published in the Government Gazette on 16 January 2026, following presidential approval. They specifically target TRC victims who suffered housing-related incidents or were recommended for housing assistance by the commission.
Previous reparations completed
The government has already completed other TRC reparations programmes, including R30 000 once-off grants to all eligible victims. It has also supported 11 783 learners at basic education level for R134 million and 1 896 students at higher education level for R129 million.
TRC victims and their families also receive free health care at public facilities, and the government has reopened several apartheid-era inquests, including investigations into the deaths of activists like Steve Biko and Albert Luthuli.
How to apply
People who believe they qualify for housing assistance must complete an application form and submit it to the Department of Justice’s TRC Unit. The unit verifies whether applicants are listed TRC beneficiaries before forwarding successful applications to the President’s Fund Administrator for payment.
The programme is only available to people who were officially identified as victims by the TRC and who had housing-related incidents during apartheid or were specifically recommended for housing assistance.
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