By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
A mother of three, Masego Motlhatlego (42) said she is happy that finally she can have a ‘place called home’. Motlhatlego who resides in Mahikeng, has recently moved into her new home after being assisted by the North West Human Settlement, through the First Home Finance program, which was formerly known as Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP).
“I have been working for the government for almost ten years now. Before occupying the house, I was staying at my parents’ house with my children. I learnt about the subsidy through a workshop I attended and went to the department for further information.
“I was then advised to apply and I followed all the processes of buying a house. I am proud to say the department has really helped me a lot. Looking at the economy now, I am financially relieved,” she said.
The overwhelmed Motlhatlego further said, she is happy after what the department has done for her. She added that the department should also continue helping others like you did for her.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Human Settlements spokesperson, Dineo Lolokwane said, the programme has been tailor-made for those who earn average to qualify for a free government home or low cost house, but too less to qualify for a mortgage in any financial institution.
Lolokwane said the department urges communities to apply for First Home Finance, so that they become home owners for the first time.
“The department has subsidized 48 beneficiaries in the last financial year and for this year the department has planned to subsidize 90 more. To qualify, a beneficiary must have to be a South African citizen, whose household income is from R3 501 up to R22 000 per month.
“The subsidy is paid into one’s bank or financial institution and will reduce the monthly loan instalments, making it more affordable to buy a home. The department, as it is mandated to ensure that people have a roof over their heads, urges communities to make use of this platform, especially those who earn average salaries to benefit from the subsidy.
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