Rental Housing Tribunal opens another 2 offices in Garden Route

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - On Monday 17 August Western Cape Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers launched two new Rental Housing Tribunal offices in the Garden Route - one in George and another in Oudtshoorn.

There are now four local and free rental housing advisory and dispute-resolution services in the Southern Cape, meaning residents no longer have to travel to Cape Town to access administrative justice.

The new offices will assist tenants and landlords with guidance on rights and obligations, offer face-to-face advice, facilitate early dispute resolution and formalise referrals to the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal.

Speaking at the launch events, Simmers said the day is about more than opening government offices.

"It is about bringing government closer to the people. A citizen in George, Oudtshoorn, or anywhere in this region should not have to travel to a major centre simply to access a provincial government service."

He said the expansion comes as rapid economic and population growth across the Garden Route drives increased demand for well-regulated rental housing.

At the George launch are from left Gert van Niekerk (Deputy Mayor George), Tertuis Simmers (WC Minister of Infrastructure), Browen Johnson (Mayor George) and Clayton Poole (Rental Housing Tribunal Chairperson).

These new facilities add to the office in Mossel Bay, as well as the newly launched office in Bitou.

Simmers said the Rental Housing Tribunal is not about choosing between tenants and landlords.

"We need a rental housing environment that works for both. Responsible property owners must feel secure in their investments, while tenants must be treated with dignity and fairness."

He said the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure will continue expanding these advisory and dispute-resolution mechanisms across municipalities.

George Mayor Browen Johnson

George Mayor Browen Johnson welcomed the establishment of the office in George and highlighted the importance of accessible government services.

“This is an initiative that speaks directly to the most fundamental needs of our communities: a safe, secure, and dignified place we call home.

"This office is therefore of critical importance, as it brings much-needed information and guidance closer to the people.

"It also represents the essence of government accessibility. Having services is not adequate if there is no accessibility,” he said.

Key dignitaries seated at the George launch are from left Chairperson of the WC RHT Clynton Poole, WC Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers, George Mayor Browen Johnson, GRDM Mayor Marais Kruger and George Deputy Mayor Gert van Niekerk.

WC RHT Chair Clynton Poole

Chairperson of the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal, Clynton Poole, explained the purpose of the Rental Housing Information Office (RHIO) and the important role it will play in assisting residents with rental housing matters.

Poole said the RHIO provides an important point of access for tenants and landlords seeking information and advice regarding their rights and obligations in relation to rental housing.

“The establishment of the office is also aimed at raising public awareness of available rental housing services and strengthening collaboration between government and stakeholders in the housing and property sector,” said Poole.

GRDM Mayor Marais Kruger

Garden Route District Municipality Mayor Marais Kruger expressed his support for the initiative and welcomed the establishment of a service that brings rental housing information closer to communities.

“Rental of property is a reality for many people in George. Tenants must honour their responsibilities, while landlords must act fairly and responsibly.

"Respect, communication and understanding can prevent many disputes. As Garden Route District Municipality, we welcome initiatives such as these that strengthen cooperation and relationships between the district, local municipalities and the Provincial Government,” said Kruger.

Many stakeholders involved

Following the formal programme at the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall, the delegation proceeded to the municipality’s planning and development building, where the RHIO is housed, for the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The launch brought together municipal and provincial government officials, councillors, representatives from the property and housing sector, community representatives, other stakeholders and residents of George.

Attendees gathered in the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall for the launch of the new rental housing information office.