Cosmo City, South Africa’s first successful mixed-human settlement project situated in Johannesburg North is now an attractive place to live in Gauteng.

The community is made up of fully subsidised houses, bonded, rental and government’s Financed Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP).

To celebrate the tenth-year anniversary and success of the project, Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, Gauteng Human Settlements and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Paul Mashatile visited the community on Thursday morning.

The visit formed part of the Department of Human Settlements national campaign to celebrate 4.3 million houses and housing opportunities delivered since the dawn of democracy, benefitting more than 20 million South Africans.

“Today we are here to celebrate successes in Human Settlements. We are going to build more houses working together with our people and Minster,” said MEC Mashatile.

Today, Cosmo City stands as testimony that government is making great strides in providing sustainable housing opportunities that promote social cohesion amongst South Africans.

Mixed-income families now live in harmony with each other in this community, proving that it is possible to bridge the economic and social divide within the country.

Patrick Phophi, Director in the City of Joburg said Cosmo City has more than 12 500 mixed-income houses. “The first occupation in Cosmo City took place 2005. The population today stands at 70 000,” said Phophi.

Realising a dream

Addressing the celebratory meeting at Cosmo City Multi-Purpose Centre Minister Sisulu said today is the realisation of dream.

“Today is the outcome of a dream we embarked on many years ago, a future that changes our past that divided our people according to colour and class,” said Sisulu.

“We move together in ensuring we create a liveable environment. The housing opportunities are an asset to allow our people to take their children to school and operate businesses,” added Minister Sisulu.

Sisulu said Cosmo City is a thriving community with the necessary amenities. The project, the Minister said created 4.3 million jobs.

“We would like every mega human settlement project to resemble cosmo city. We will be back here in March next year to reopen the station,” added Sisulu

–Gautengonline.gov.za (​Sibongile Baloyi)