Rental Housing Tribunal opens another 2 offices in Garden Route

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - On Monday 17 August Western Cape Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers launched two new Rental Housing Tribunal offices in the Garden Route - one in George and another in Oudtshoorn.

There are now four local and free rental housing advisory and dispute-resolution services in the Southern Cape, meaning residents no longer have to travel to Cape Town to access administrative justice.

The new offices will assist tenants and landlords with guidance on rights and obligations, offer face-to-face advice, facilitate early dispute resolution and formalise referrals to the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal.

Speaking at the launch events, Simmers said the day is about more than opening government offices.

"It is about bringing government closer to the people. A citizen in George, Oudtshoorn, or anywhere in this region should not have to travel to a major centre simply to access a provincial government service."

He said the expansion comes as rapid economic and population growth across the Garden Route drives increased demand for well-regulated rental housing.

At the George launch are from left Gert van Niekerk (Deputy Mayor George), Tertuis Simmers (WC Minister of Infrastructure), Browen Johnson (Mayor George) and Clayton Poole (Rental Housing Tribunal Chairperson).

These new facilities add to the office in Mossel Bay, as well as the newly launched office in Bitou.

Simmers said the Rental Housing Tribunal is not about choosing between tenants and landlords.

"We need a rental housing environment that works for both. Responsible property owners must feel secure in their investments, while tenants must be treated with dignity and fairness."

He said the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure will continue expanding these advisory and dispute-resolution mechanisms across municipalities.

At the Oudtshoorn launch are from left: Marais Kruger (GRDM Mayor), Tertuis Simmers (WC Minister of Infrastructure), Jan van der Ross (Oudtshoorn Mayor), Clayton Poole (Rental Housing Tribunal Chairperson) and Veronica Michaels (Oudtshoorn Deputy Mayor).