{
  "id": 7255619,
  "title": "Crowded house of crooks and cheats",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/crowded-house-of-crooks-and-cheats",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T05:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/opinion/crowded-house-of-crooks-and-cheats/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The African National Congress (ANC) frequently asserts that its policies during the past three decades have provided shelter for hundreds of thousands of South Africans in need. However, a closer examination reveals that this well-intentioned initiative has been infiltrated by corrupt elements, who have thwarted the intended benefits for impoverished citizens. In Gauteng province, for instance, nearly one-third of major government-funded housing projects have fallen victim to both squatters and officials who sell properties illicitly to desperate individuals. The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has admitted to 14 out of 45 such projects being unlawfully occupied in the past five years, yet their response leaves much to be desired. The department concedes that evicting illegal occupants is a daunting task due to the costs involved – a single eviction order can set them back approximately R1.5 million. This financial barrier prevents the department from taking decisive action in many cases, leaving the issue unresolved for countless indigent people. Delving deeper into the matter, one cannot help but question the integrity of the system. Are legal loopholes being exploited through sweetheart deals with attorneys? Furthermore, why rely solely on Red Ant Security Relocation & Eviction Services, a notoriously aggressive solution, when more humane alternatives are available? Ultimately, the story of these compromised housing projects exposes the rot within our system, where corruption and greed have resulted in a cruel mockery of the promise of a better life for all South Africans.",
  "summary": "One of the claims the ANC makes is that, since 1994, it has helped put roofs over the heads of hundreds of thousands of poor South Africans.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}