By Bernell Simons

The promise of dignity through housing became a lived reality this week as Northern Cape Premier Dr. Zamani Saul led the final handovers of homes in Ganspan and Jacksonville, marking key milestones in the province’s R1 billion housing programme.

In Ganspan, Saul, alongside MEC for CoGHSTA Bentley Vass and Phokwane Mayor Willem Harmse, handed over 31 newly completed houses, bringing the Ganspan 71 Housing Project to full completion.

This follows the earlier delivery of 40 homes, ensuring all 71 qualifying families now have access to secure shelter. The project is a significant step toward reducing the province’s housing backlog, restoring dignity and stability to long-waiting residents.

Momentum continued in Jacksonville, under the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, where Saul joined MEC Task team deployed to probe Mahikeng double murder The acting North West police commissioner, Ryno Naidoo, has deployed a task team to investigate a double murder and business robbery in Mahikeng.

 A businessman and his wife were killed on Friday. Police Spokesperson Kelebogile Morake says the woman died on the spot, while her husband died later in the hospital.

 Morake says, “It is reported that the couple rushed from their main residence after being alerted that their son was being robbed at their business. Upon entering the business premises, located not far from the house, they encountered the suspects at the entrance.” She says, “According to one of the robbery vicernment’s R1 billion housing initiative, launched in 2024 to fast-track delivery and tackle long-standing housing challenges.

 Vass and Executive Mayor Cllr Barbara Bartlett to hand over five houses in the final phase of the Jacksonville 139 Housing Project. In a major boost, 110 t itle deeds were also issued, giving beneficiaries not just homes, but legal ownership and long-term security.

Officials confirmed that the remaining 22 houses will be handed over in the coming days, bringing the project to completion. Both projects form part of the Northern Cape govBeyond the numbers, the impact is deeply personal.

For many families, this marks the first time they hold the keys—and the title—to a place they can truly call home. As rollout continues, government’s message is clear: delivery is no longer a promise, but a visible reality transforming lives—one home at a time.