MMC Mabaso Breaks Ground on Phase 4 of Riverside View Social Housing Project

By Thembi Moyo

The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Councillor Mlungisi Mabaso, has officially broken ground on Phase 4 of the Riverside View Social Housing Development, continuing the City of Johannesburg’s commitment to providing dignified and affordable housing.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held this week, was attended by Speaker of Council Cllr Margaret Arnolds, JOSHCO Board Chairperson Mr. Theodore Dlamini, and representatives from the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA). Together, they handed the site over to contractors, marking the start of a critical phase in the city’s housing strategy.

“This development is part of our mission to build places where people love to live,” said MMC Mabaso. “Through strategic public-private partnerships, we’re transforming spaces like Riverside View into vibrant urban communities that reflect the dignity our residents deserve.”

Phase 4 of the Riverside View development will deliver 744 rental units, comprising both one- and two-bedroom apartments. The project has a combined budget of R344 million—R53 million from the City of Johannesburg and R291 million from SHRA. The first 64 units are expected to be completed by April 2026, with final delivery of 172 units by September 2026.

Cllr Mabaso emphasized the city’s deliberate shift to decentralize housing developments beyond the congested inner city. “We cannot squeeze everyone into the inner city. We must create well-planned suburbs like Riverside View to accommodate more people in environments that promote safety, beauty, and functionality,” he said.

Riverside View, often mistaken for a private suburb due to its quality and design, represents the future of inclusive urban planning. “It doesn’t look like a township and that’s the point,” said Mabaso. “We’re committed to bringing this level of development to all corners of Johannesburg.”

The MMC acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing social housing, including non-payment of rent and misuse of government housing. “Some people refuse to pay rent not because they cannot afford it, but because they believe government housing should be free,” Mabaso said. “This mentality undermines our ability to sustain and expand housing programs.”

He called for stronger enforcement, resident education, and alternative revenue strategies to keep projects financially viable. “It’s not just about delivering housing it’s about maintaining it and ensuring we can continue building for others still on the waiting list.”

Beyond Riverside View, the city is rolling out plans to upgrade informal settlements, redevelop hostels, and increase the supply of affordable rental units for those who don’t qualify for RDP housing. According to Mabaso, many residents are trapped in backrooms and informal housing arrangements, or forced to pay exorbitant rents to slumlords.

The City has appointed consultants and program managers to formalize informal settlements and has identified buildings for alternative accommodation in the inner city, especially where evacuation orders have been issued.

“We’ve completed extensive planning. Now, in the new financial year, it’s time for execution,” he said. “Our residents will start to see visible progress on the ground.”

The MMC closed his address by urging residents to become partners in development. “We need your support to protect infrastructure from vandalism, to maintain the facilities, and to hold each other accountable.”

“We’re not just building houses we’re building communities. And we need everyone’s hands and hearts in the work of creating a better Johannesburg.”