Affordable RDP housing
July 20, 2023

An overview of RDP housing in South Africa and how GIC is helping to provide affordable homes for all

At Gap Infrastructure Corporation, we believe in the right of every South African to safe and affordable housing, and we’re helping to make this dream happen. Millions of low-income households nationwide have benefited from the RDP housing programme, but much work still needs to be done. The prevalent shortage of low-cost housing options, along with challenging living conditions, is a reality faced by too many families, giving rise to countless proposed solutions, including RDP housing. At GIC, changing lives is the guiding principle for everything we do, which is why our structural development services include low-cost housing and RDP projects.

Why RDP housing was created

The Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP Housing) is a socio-economic policy that was first proposed and passed in 1994 under the new leadership of Nelson Mandela. It was aimed at providing government-subsidised housing that transformed communities in need and provided upliftment out of homelessness and poverty. RDP houses were never meant as mere shelters but as homes that provide safety, warmth, and essential amenities like clean water, sanitation, and electricity connection. Free from financial burden, those who apply for RDP housing have the prospect of owning a home which promotes dignity, improved living standards, and a greater sense of peace and security.

GIC specialises in low-cost housing and residential development in South Africa

There are several key policies within the RDP initiative, and we at Gap Infrastructure Corporation maintain these proposals, namely:

• Transforming the lives of individuals, families, and communities by meeting their basic needs, which include employment, low-cost housing, land ownership, social welfare, and essential services. The General Household Survey report for 2017 revealed that 13,6% of South African households lived in RDP or government-subsidised homes, representing just how vital the programme has been for the country.
• People come first, and GIC, just like the RDP housing programme, aims to develop human resources. This entails the continued engagement of communities in every decision-making process and even in effective local and national governance. The programme also encompasses the empowerment of women and the youth and extends its development scope to promoting things like education, sports, arts and culture.
• Leveraging existing strengths in industries like infrastructure development to benefit every citizen and address areas of weakness within our economy.
• Linking democracy, infrastructure development, and community-driven objectives to reshape our current situation and offer a bright future for all.

We at GIC proudly offer low-cost and RDP housing development solutions During every construction phase, we prioritise local sourcing and labour to empower communities with an economic boost and employment. To learn more about how we align our approach with the South African government’s mission of providing essential services and homes to its citizens, speak to us today.