Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, delivered a keynote address recently at the Tambo Multi-Purpose Centre in Kariega.
The occasion marked the launch of the Backyard Dwellers Programme, a significant step towards addressing housing needs within the community.
In her address, Lobishe outlined the municipality’s commitment to developing more settlements and social housing to ensure all residents have adequate accommodation.
“We are dedicated to providing every resident with a roof over their head,” she stated, emphasising the municipality’s proactive approach to housing challenges.
Lobishe urged backyard dwellers to register at their ward councillors’ offices.
This registration, which began on March 6, and continuing until the end of June 2025, is crucial for accurately assessing those in need of housing.
“A stringent verification process will be in place to ensure that we are reaching those most in need,” she assured the community.
Commending the backyard dwellers for their patience and discipline, she remarked, “This is the time to reward you for your perseverance and restraint in refraining from land invasions.”
Reflecting on the larger vision behind the government’s initiative to build RDP houses, Lobishe noted, “Our aim is to restore dignity to those who have been previously disadvantaged. Housing is not just about shelter; it’s about dignity and belonging.”
To ensure accurate and efficient data collection, the municipality has appointed 200 field workers across the metro, with four assigned to each ward.
“This task force will ensure we gather precise data to support our housing initiatives effectively,” she explained.
One of the prospective backyard dweller beneficiaries, Nosipho Jicelo said she was happy that the time has come for backyard dwellers to be taken care of.
“Some of us have been living as backyard dwellers for more than 20 years, patiently waiting for us to be considered. We hope that this programme will yield positive results this time around. We plead for the Metro to deliver on their promise as we have been living in these backyards for far too long.”
In a statement, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements, Councillor Thembinkosi Mafana said the commencement of the programme is part of the key deliverables for the Directorate.
“We have set ourselves key priorities, taking care of the vulnerable, elderly, women, and child-headed families, and addressing the imbalances of the past like backyard dwelling, asbestos-roofed homes and informal settlements,” the MMC concluded.
