Ramaphosa launches TRC housing programme: R40m allocated to Ndwedwe apartheid victims
He says the milestone paves the way for apartheid victims to receive housing support from the state.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says at least 220 applications have been approved under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Housing Assistance Reparations.
He was speaking at the launch of the programme in Ndwedwe on Tuesday.
TRC housing assistance programme rolled out
He says the milestone marks the implementation of regulations which enable apartheid victims, identified through the TRC process, to receive housing support from the state.
"The symbolic cheques that are being handed over today represent R40 million in cumulative assistance being provided to the verified beneficiaries to build a home or improve their existing homes.
“To respect their safety and privacy, representatives of traditional leaders will be receiving them on behalf of the beneficiaries today. A total of 114 approved beneficiaries in Ndwedwe have already been paid out approximately R21 million by the President’s Fund. This is a nationwide programme, and to date we have received applications from victims across the country."
Ndwedwe beneficiaries receive R40 million in housing support
Ramaphosa adds that the commission documented hundreds of cases of arson, assault, killings and forced removals in the area.
"The TRC documented hundreds of cases of arson, assaults, killings and forced removals in Ndwedwe and formally recognised a number of residents as victims of gross human rights violations.
“Ndwedwe stands as a powerful site of memory and survival, representing rural communities whose suffering often received less public attention but was no less devastating. As a country, we understand that truth alone is not sufficient to repair the harm that was done. We know that reconciliation cannot be enduring without reparations."
Ramaphosa: Reparations key to restoring dignity and reconciliation
Ramaphosa adds that the provision of reparations is not just an act of goodwill.
"It is a moral obligation and a vital part of restoring people’s dignity. Even though the democratic state is not responsible for the atrocities committed in the name of apartheid, it is up to the democratic state to make a decisive break with the hurts of the past if we are to move forward together.
“The final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission made a number of recommendations to the president on possible measures that could be taken to restore the dignity of victims. These measures included once-off grants, medical benefits and other forms of social assistance, the construction of monuments, and other forms of community rehabilitation."
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