Head of Policy Research, Anthea Jeffery says the government should approve this new system of housing vouchers as a way to empower people and break the current delivery deadlock.

The vouchers would go directly to the around 10 million South Africans, between the ages of 25 and 35, who earn below a specified ceiling.

It would be worth R800 a month and each recipient would continue to receive the voucher for ten years, meaning each beneficiary would =receive R96 000 over the period.

Jeffery says this would empower people to build or improve their own homes, or obtain and pay bonds.

The voucher system, and the market it would create, would also encourage the private sector to build more houses or apartment blocks, or revamp existing structures for housing purposes.

Jeffery says individuals would be empowered to make their own housing choices, while the vouchers would help provide ‘more bang for every buck’. She says accelerated housing delivery would also stimulate investment, generate jobs, and give the weak economy a vital boost.

Thandi Xaba/OFM News