A social media storm has ignited in South Africa following provocative claims by a Nigerian national regarding the ownership of government-funded RDP houses. Scooby Nero, a rapper originally from Nigeria who has resided in South Africa for over a decade, caused a stir by boasting on Facebook that he owns multiple properties meant for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
The artist, whose real name is Chibuzor Nelson Nwankwo, claimed he is currently renting these units back to local families. “Nigerians done buy 80% of RDP houses finish. Your parents pay rent to me… I am about to evict your family,” he wrote in a post that has since gone viral. The backlash was immediate, with many citizens questioning how a foreign national could acquire state subsidised housing intended for low-income South Africans, especially since the Housing Act 107 strictly governs who is eligible for such benefits.
Government and public reaction
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and various government officials have been forced to address the growing resentment. Clayson Monyela, Head of Public Diplomacy, clarified that while the claims may be exaggerated to provoke, the legality of such ownership is non-existent. Under current regulations, there are strict criteria regarding who qualifies for these homes, primarily limiting them to South African citizens or permanent residents with specific income levels.
“Renting out an RDP house for profit is strictly illegal at any time and can lead to losing the home,” Monyela stated, adding that agencies have been alerted to investigate the matter.
Public sentiment on social media has been a mix of anger and calls for accountability. Per the X (formely Twitter) thread below, one user lamented the perceived loss of national dignity, asking, ‘what can you do to help bring dignity back to South Africa?’.
Others pointed the finger at internal corruption, suggesting that officials within the Department of Human Settlements are enabling these illegal transactions through the use of affidavits instead of formal title deeds.
A climate of rising tension
This controversy arrives at a particularly sensitive time. Just weeks ago, unrest flared in KuGompo (formerly East London) following the alleged coronation of a “Nigerian King” in the Eastern Cape. This event led to violent protests, with organisations like ActionSA condemning the establishment of parallel leadership structures.
The RDP scandal has only added fuel to the fire, with many South Africans demanding a full audit of the housing registry. Amidst these calls for order, the Joburg council passes EFF debt relief motion, highlighting the ongoing local struggle for economic and housing stability.
