The Gauteng department of housing is rolling out a community awareness campaign to get all residents registered on the "housing waiting list" to come forward and update their information on the new "Demand Database system".

The provincial campaign, launched in February this year in Sedibeng District, has already been rolled out in Metsweding and the West Rand.

Departmental teams have been deployed to more than 20 centres across Tshwane and Johannesburg metros to update customer information. The Ekurhuleni campaign will also be rolled out soon.

Branded as "Ziveze.Itlhagise", the campaign is being delivered to Gauteng residents and households through various media channels including radio, print media advertising, street posters as well as information leaflets.

Gauteng MEC Nomvula Mokonyane says the process will ensure the government has accurate information that will be used to improve housing delivery in the province.

What is the demand database?

The Housing Demand Database is a new and innovative record management system introduced by the Gauteng department of housing to identify the community's housing needs in the province and to promote fair, equitable and transparent allocation of houses. It will replace the present waiting list.

"According to Housing MEC Nomvula Mokonyane: "Unlike the waiting list, the Demand Database will have records of all customers in need of all types of housing products ranging from free low-cost housing, rental accommodation and credit-linked or bonded housing.

This means that customers not qualifying for free RDP houses for various reasons will also be registered on the Demand Database.

"The Demand Database will be used as a planning tool for housing development in the province and this will assist us to deliver the right products to the right people, based on need, choice and affordability," Mokonyane said.